ADVICE TO PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN’S SCHOOLS ARE BEING CLOSED TO STEM THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS
For the millions of parents whose children’s schools are closed, here is some advice on trying to minimize the health risks from your children’s overuse of screens, and to maximize their privacy if they are using ed tech apps.
Privacy
Many ed tech programs are neither private nor secure; they collect and share children’s personal data, often without your knowledge or consent. This 2018 US Dept of Ed guidance has said that schools cannot require parents to agree to the terms of online apps or programs if they violate federal privacy law. Ransomware, hacking, and identity theft also increase when using online programs, as the FBI has warned . Generally, your child’s data can only be used only for educational purposes, and the app’s privacy and terms of services should clearly say this.
For more specific advice on what federal student privacy law requires and red flags to look for in reading a privacy policy, check out our Parent Toolkit for Student Privacy. Teachers should consult our Educator Toolkit .
Many schools and colleges are using Zoom. Be aware that there was a privacy complaint lodged against Zoom for intentionally allowing web cameras to be operated without users’ knowledge or consent. You might consider keeping a band aid or other removable sticker on your computer’s web camera until you or your child intends to use it.
When considering applications and tools for remote online learning, you can also check out the privacy reviews of specific apps and CONTINUE READING: Advice to parents whose children’s schools are being closed to stem the spread of coronavirus | Parent Coalition for Student Privacy