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You might think your child’s personal data is safe because they’re not old enough to open credit cards or create social media profiles, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, children’s data is incredibly valuable to cybercriminals—precisely because it goes largely unnoticed for years. Several high-profile data breaches have already exposed the private details of millions of children, leaving their Social Security numbers, medical records, and even school information vulnerable to identity theft. Many of these breaches happened years ago, but the stolen data still circulates on the dark web today. Here are nine major data breaches that continue to threaten your kids’ info—and what you can do to protect them.
1. Edmodo (2017)
Edmodo, a popular educational platform used by schools and teachers to connect with students, suffered a data breach that affected over 77 million users. The stolen data included usernames, email addresses, and hashed passwords. While passwords were encrypted, they weren’t secured well enough to prevent them from being cracked. Many users of Edmodo were students, making this breach particularly concerning for families. If your child ever had an Edmodo account, it’s wise to change any passwords that were reused elsewhere and monitor for suspicious activity.
2. VTech (2015)
The VTech breach exposed the personal information of over 6 million children, along with nearly 5 million parents. This toy and learning tech company had stored data such as names, birth dates, and even photos and chat logs exchanged between kids and their parents. Hackers gained access due to poor security practices and unencrypted data storage. Although VTech has since updated its privacy policies, the compromised data is still out there. Parents should stay alert for signs of identity theft involving their children’s names or birth dates.
3. Schoolzilla (2018)
Schoolzilla, a data analytics platform used by school districts, suffered a breach when a misconfigured database exposed the records of over 1.3 million students. Information such as names, test scores, and demographic data was publicly accessible for several days. While no Social Security numbers were included, the depth of academic information exposed raises concerns. This breach showed how third-party education tech providers can pose risks when security takes a back seat. It’s a reminder to ask schools how student data is handled and stored.
4. K12.com (2020)
The online education provider K12 Inc. (now Stride, Inc.) experienced a ransomware attack that exposed sensitive student information. Data included names, grades, and in some cases, Social Security numbers. As remote learning became more widespread, platforms like K12 became attractive targets for cybercriminals. Some affected families weren’t notified promptly, increasing the chance of unmonitored misuse. If your child was enrolled in any online learning program, review what data was shared and set up credit monitoring.
5. Desjardins Group (2019)
This massive breach at a Canadian financial institution affected over 9 million individuals, including children with youth accounts. The leak included names, addresses, birth dates, and Social Insurance Numbers. While primarily affecting Canadian families, the scale and sensitivity of the data make it globally relevant. Children whose identities were compromised may not discover the fraud until much later in life. Setting up fraud alerts and freezing a child’s credit can help reduce long-term risks.
6. Hello Kitty (2015)
The Hello Kitty breach may sound lighthearted, but it was anything but. Hackers accessed the database for SanrioTown.com, exposing data for 3.3 million accounts, many of which belonged to young users. Stolen information included full names, birthdays, genders, and password hints. While the breach didn’t make major headlines, its effect on young fans was significant. This breach is a good example of why parents should avoid using real birthdates or full names on kids’ online accounts.
7. Experian/T-Mobile (2021)
In a breach involving T-Mobile data stored by Experian, millions of consumers—including minors on family plans—had their personal details exposed. Information included full names, Social Security numbers, addresses, and more. This type of breach is especially harmful because credit bureaus store long-term financial data, making it easier for criminals to commit identity fraud. Children linked to family plans are just as vulnerable as adults in these cases. Checking your child’s credit report occasionally is a smart move.
8. Pearson Education (2019)
Pearson, a major education publisher and software provider, experienced a breach that affected over 13,000 school and university accounts. This included data on thousands of students, such as names, dates of birth, and in some cases, email addresses and school IDs. The breach went undetected for months, and many affected districts were never publicly named. Pearson settled with regulators but downplayed the scope of the issue. If your school district used Pearson tools, it’s worth asking about your child’s exposure.
9. Facebook Messenger Kids Glitch (2019)
While not a traditional data breach, Facebook Messenger Kids experienced a programming error that allowed children to chat with unapproved users in group chats. The app was supposed to limit contacts to those pre-approved by parents, but a flaw created a major safety concern. Although Facebook shut down the affected group chats, the incident highlights the risks even in “kid-safe” apps. It’s a reminder that security flaws can feel like breaches when trust is broken and personal safety is compromised.
When the Past Still Poses a Threat
Just because a data breach happened years ago doesn’t mean the threat is gone. Cybercriminals often hold onto stolen data, waiting years before using it—or selling it to someone who will. Children are easy targets because their information is unlikely to be monitored. As a parent, regularly checking your child’s credit, limiting what info is shared online, and understanding the risks of common platforms are key steps in protecting their future. A little digital vigilance now can prevent a world of trouble later.
Have you taken any steps to protect your child’s identity after a breach? Share your tips or questions in the comments!
Read More:
School Spies: 8 Privacy Risks of School Apps Collecting Data
8 Legal Battles That Arise From Posting About Your Kids Online
Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.
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