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Children’s data on the internet
Children today leave digital traces early on – often before they even have a mobile phone of their own. Parents bear a special responsibility here.
Who decides?
The Federal Act on Data Protection has no fixed age limit. What matters is whether a child has capacity of judgement, i.e. understands the implications of a decision. Children and young people with capacity of judgement can exercise their rights themselves – for example the right of access. For younger children, the parents act on their behalf.
Photos and videos of children
Like everyone, children have a right to their own image. What parents share today because it is cute may embarrass the child later or put them at risk.
- Share photos in small, private groups rather than publicly.
- Avoid pictures showing the child naked, in embarrassing situations or clearly identifiable with location and name.
- Ask older children whether they agree to a photo being published.
- Only publish photos of other children – for example from a birthday party – with their parents’ consent.
Apps, games and social media
- Check age ratings and privacy settings together with your child.
- Turn off location sharing, personalised advertising and public profiles.
- Many platforms require a minimum age of 13; in the EU, higher age limits for consent apply in some cases.
- Talk to your child about what information they should never share: address, school, phone number, photos of themselves.
School
Schools are subject to the cantonal data protection acts. Ask which apps and platforms are used and what data about your child is stored there.
If something goes wrong
If pictures or data of your child are published without consent, request deletion from the platform operator and from the person who published them (template). In cases of harassment or sexual exploitation, contact the police immediately.