EFF Launches Guide to Help Parents and Youth Protect Privacy Online

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has launched a guide called "Online Privacy for Parents and Youth" to assist families in safeguarding their online privacy. EFF Public Interest Technology Director Babette Ngene emphasized that parents don't need to be tech experts to help their children navigate the digital world safely. The guide aims to empower families with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their digital lives.

The guide comes at a time when state and local governments are considering enacting laws that may restrict young people's access to essential information and experiences, mainly affecting vulnerable youth and marginalized groups. These laws often involve age gating, which compromises privacy for all internet users and limits young users' ability to learn, grow, and express themselves.

Thorin Klosowski, EFF Senior Security and Privacy Activist, stated that deciding how to help young people use the internet, including engaging with video games, social media, web search, and other platforms, is a complex topic involving various skillsets and ideas. However, ultimately, the decision lies with families, not governments, on when and how to engage with these matters.

Each young person has unique needs that evolve with age. Parents can plan thoughtfully to find the best, most efficient solutions that adapt alongside their children. The guide helps parents explore their concerns and identify the risks their children face, such as trusting AI chatbots or sharing personal information with strangers. It then advises on steps to mitigate these risks while still allowing children to use games, educational materials, and communication platforms that contribute to their growth.

The guide includes links to parental control setup documentation for popular devices and platforms and offers quick, easy tasks parents can perform to enhance their children's online privacy. The guide is available at https://ssd.eff.org/module/online-privacy-for-parents-and-youth. For more information, you can contact Thorin Klosowski, Senior Security and Privacy Activist at EFF, at thorin@eff.org.