Privacy: Devices, Apps and Settings
Support your child to set up devices and apps in ways that protect their privacy and give them more control online.
Why this matters
Devices and apps are where online life happens, but they’re also where personal information is stored, shared, and sometimes exposed.
Young people often download apps, accept permissions, or change settings quickly so they can get started. They’re focused on using the app—not on how it works behind the scenes.
Over time, this can mean:
- more information is shared than intended
- accounts are more open than expected
- location or personal data is being accessed unnecessarily
Taking time to understand and adjust settings helps shift control back to your child.
What’s happening behind the scenes
Many apps collect and use data in ways that aren’t always obvious.
This can include:
- location tracking
- access to contacts, camera, or microphone
- visibility of profiles or posts
- data used for recommendations or advertising
This doesn’t mean apps are unsafe, but it does mean it’s important to understand what’s being shared and why.
3 Levels
Device security: your first layer of protection
Devices hold a lot of personal information, so securing them is a key starting point.
Simple steps can significantly reduce risk, such as:
- using a passcode, PIN, or biometric lock
- keeping software updated
- knowing how to locate or lock a lost device
Apps: making informed choices
Not all apps are designed the same way. Helping your child think about apps critically builds long-term awareness.
You might explore:
- what the app is for
- who they’ll interact with
- what information it asks for
- whether it’s age-appropriate
Privacy settings: shaping the experience
Privacy settings determine who can see content, who can contact your child, and how visible their profile is.
These settings can change over time, so it’s worth revisiting them - not just setting them once.
Practical ways to support your child
Set things up together (especially early on)
Going through settings together builds understanding, creates shared expectations and reduces confusion later.
Focus on key permissions and talk about why apps request access to:
- location
- camera
- contacts
Discuss whether it’s necessary for how your child uses the app.
Encourage small adjustments
Instead of trying to lock everything down, focus on:
- limiting who can contact them
- reducing public visibility
- turning off features they don’t need
A final thought
Devices and apps are always evolving. Helping your child understand how they work, and giving them a say in how they’re set up, builds confidence and independence over time.
Start with
✔ Does your child’s device have basic security (lock, updates)?
✔ Do they understand what apps can access?
✔ Have privacy settings been reviewed recently?
You don’t need to have everything set up perfectly. By staying involved, having regular check-ins, and helping your child understand how things work, you’re giving them the confidence to make good decisions for themselves. Over time, these small conversations and shared moments build the skills they need to manage their own privacy and security safely.
