Before a child becomes a teenager there are 1,300 pictures of them online and they post up to 70,000 times before they turn 18, claims a new report.
Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England, said that a child’s digital footprint now starts before they are born when parents post scans on social media.
Ms Longfield also called on internet firms and toy companies to be more transparent on data collection from children via interactive toys, smart speakers and some apps.
Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England, said that a child’s digital footprint now starts when they are still in the womb when doting parents post scans on social media (stock)
Internet-connected toys and online services aimed at younger users should clearly state on packaging or elsewhere if their products captured information about users, Ms Longfield claims.
The report, entitled ‘Who Knows What About Me’, calls for schools to begin teaching children about using social media and how their data is collected.
It also implores the Government to consider strengthening data protection legislation.
Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield said: ‘Children are often shocked to learn just how information and data is collected about them as they grow up, from the information stored by new gadgets like Alexa to data held by their schools.
‘We need to make sure that they can make informed choices about the data they are giving away and that their parents know who knows what about their kids.
‘The Government must urgently refine data protection legislation if GDPR does not prove up to the job.’
The report suggests many parents and children are not fully aware of how much information is being shared across online services and devices.
Social media profile’s of well-meaning parents and internet-connected toys are also contributing to a vast dossier of virtual data on children.
The report claimed that this digital footprint could impact how universities and banks judge people in the future.
Concerns have been raised over the security of some toys that are connected to the internet.
Last year it was discovered that voice recordings from one line of toys were being stored online unprotected.
‘I also want to see all manufacturers and the big internet companies be transparent about how their devices are capturing information about children, toy manufacturers clearly labelling their packaging if they are capturing children’s audio or video and a statutory duty of care between the social media giants and their younger users,’ Ms Longfield said.
‘This is an issue that will only grow as technology continues to advance and it is vital that protections are put in place by the Government so that any data collected about children is done transparently and is used only for positive reasons.’
The report also revealed that this digital footprint could impact how universities and banks view and judge people in the future. It also says the digital footprints of children are getting bigger as technology becomes an increasing part of daily life (stock)
The report says the digital footprints of children are getting bigger as technology becomes an increasing part of daily life.
It suggests that children aged 11 to 16 post to social media on average 26 times a day – meaning as many as 70,000 posts about themselves online by the time they turn 18.
It also argues that even children too young to be online are being exposed to data collection by connected toys that capture audio or video.
In response to the report, the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) said its members were committed to data protection.
‘The British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) and its members consider the safety and protection of children of paramount importance when designing and manufacturing toys,’ it said.
‘Whilst it is estimated that only 1-2 per cent of the UK toy industry consists of connected toys, the BTHA’s members limit the amount of personal data collected, using closed loop systems where possible.
‘When data is collected, this is done to enhance the play experience, for example remembering the level of the game the child has reached and is collected lawfully and safely.
‘The BTHA is a key supporter of Media Smart, which is a media literacy programme for 7-16-year olds and provides free educational materials for schools and youth organisations, parents and guardians.
‘With the backing of the BTHA, Media Smart are currently producing a free educational resource around data protection and privacy targeted at 9 to 11-year-olds in primary schools, which will launch next Easter.
‘Furthermore, the BTHA released a connected toy guide to all its members in 2017 on best practices and engages with the ICO and the Government’s cybersecurity team on data and security measures.’