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Messaging Spies: 8 Privacy Settings on Kids’ Messaging Apps Tracking

July 11, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Messaging Spies 8 Privacy Settings on Kids Messaging Apps Tracking

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If your child uses a messaging app, chances are someone—or something—is quietly watching. While messaging is a great way for kids to stay connected with friends and family, these platforms often come with tracking tools that monitor activity, collect data, and store personal information. Understanding the privacy settings on kids’ messaging apps isn’t just smart—it’s essential for keeping your child’s digital life safe. Whether your child is using a school-sanctioned app or chatting with friends after bedtime, the wrong setting can put their information in the wrong hands. Here are eight privacy features to check right now to stop silent tracking in its tracks.

1. Disable Location Sharing

Many messaging apps allow users to share their real-time location—even automatically in some cases. This setting might seem helpful for parents, but it can also expose your child’s location to strangers or third-party advertisers. Always check if location sharing is on by default and switch it off unless absolutely necessary. Some apps tuck this option inside chat settings, while others bury it deep in privacy menus. Disabling this is one of the most important privacy settings on kids’ messaging apps that helps protect your child’s whereabouts.

2. Set Messages to Auto-Delete or Disappear

If your child is using apps like Snapchat or Telegram, you can enable auto-delete settings so messages disappear after a set time. While this feature is often seen as a fun trick, it can also reduce the chances of long-term data storage or message archiving. For kids, it also prevents message trails that could be misused later. Just be sure they understand that screenshots are still possible and disappearing messages don’t mean total privacy. It’s a small step toward safer communication and data hygiene.

3. Turn Off Read Receipts and Activity Status

Read receipts and online activity indicators let others know when your child is online or has seen a message. While this might seem harmless, it creates pressure to respond and lets people track their habits. Turning off this setting adds a layer of control and reduces peer pressure. Many messaging apps allow users to turn this off in the “Privacy” section of settings. Managing visibility is one of the simplest privacy settings on kids’ messaging apps that also helps protect their mental space.

4. Limit Who Can Message or Add Them

Some apps allow anyone to send a message, friend request, or group invite by default. That means your child could be contacted by people they don’t know—and in some cases, by bots or scam accounts. Head into settings and restrict messaging permissions to “friends only” or “contacts only.” This reduces exposure to unwanted messages and spam. Teaching your child not to accept requests from strangers is still key, but limiting access adds extra protection.

5. Restrict Data Sharing with Third Parties

Many messaging apps collect data like contact lists, device information, and usage habits and then share it with advertisers or other services. You can often opt out of this under settings labeled “Data,” “Privacy,” or “Ad Preferences.” Unchecking boxes related to data sharing prevents your child’s usage from being turned into a marketing profile. This is one of the more hidden privacy settings on kids’ messaging apps, but it makes a big difference over time. Less data collected means less risk if the app is ever hacked or sold.

6. Control Who Can See Their Profile Information

Depending on the app, your child’s username, profile photo, or status might be visible to everyone. While this may seem minor, it can reveal more than you think—like gender, age, or interests. Go into the profile or account visibility settings and change them to “friends only” or private mode. Encourage your child to use a non-identifying profile photo and avoid using full names. Small tweaks like this can go a long way in keeping their identity protected.

7. Block Third-Party App Integrations

Some messaging apps allow users to connect with games, surveys, or other apps directly from within the platform. These third-party connections often collect additional data and track your child’s usage habits beyond messaging. Disable app integrations or limit permissions where possible in the settings. Remind your child to avoid clicking on pop-ups, quizzes, or “fun” bots in their chats. Minimizing external connections is another often-forgotten privacy setting on kids’ messaging apps that helps keep things simple and secure.

8. Review Notification Settings for Privacy Leaks

Even if everything inside the app is locked down, message previews on the lock screen can still leak private content. Adjust your device’s notification settings to hide message previews or only show them when the device is unlocked. This protects your child’s conversations from being seen by others—even friends or siblings who glance at the screen. For extra safety, suggest turning off notifications entirely during school hours or family time. A little notification control keeps more conversations private.

Little Tweaks, Big Protection

Taking a few minutes to check the privacy settings on kids’ messaging apps can make a world of difference. While these apps are designed for connection, they often collect far more than you’d expect. Teaching your child how to control who sees what—and what’s shared in the background—builds good digital habits early. The goal isn’t to block communication, but to shape it into something safe, respectful, and smart. With the right settings, messaging can stay fun and private at the same time.

What messaging privacy setting do you think every parent should know about? Share your tips or questions in the comments!

Read More:

Privacy Violation: 7 Things Never to Post About Your Kids Online

Bypass Alert: 9 Online Threats That Bypass Parental Controls

Catherine Reed
Catherine Reed

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.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: app tracking, child online protection, digital safety, kids and technology, messaging privacy, online privacy, parenting tips, safe messaging apps

Privacy Violation: 7 Things Never to Post About Your Kids Online

July 6, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Privacy Violation 7 Things Never to Post About Your Kids Online

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Social media makes it easy to celebrate milestones, share cute moments, and keep loved ones in the loop—but it also comes with serious risks. Every time you hit “post,” you may be revealing more than you intended, especially when it involves your child. What seems like a harmless photo or funny story could affect their safety, privacy, or even future reputation. As digital footprints grow earlier than ever, it’s worth thinking twice before uploading content that can’t be unseen. Here are seven things never to post about your kids online if you want to protect their privacy, dignity, and well-being.

1. Full Names and Birthdates

While it might be tempting to announce your child’s full name and birthdate in a heartfelt post, this combo can be gold for identity thieves. When paired with a photo, it becomes surprisingly easy for someone to impersonate or gather personal data about your child. These details may also be used to guess passwords or answer security questions tied to financial or medical records. Even if your privacy settings are strict, screenshots can still travel far beyond your intended audience. Keep the full name and birthdate private or limit it to one-on-one conversations with trusted individuals.

2. Location Details or School Information

One of the most important things never to post about your kids online is anything that reveals where they are on a regular basis. School names, team jerseys, house numbers, and location tags can all provide clues to strangers. A seemingly innocent “First Day of School” photo may broadcast exactly where your child spends their day and when. This information can be misused by predators or others with harmful intentions. Stick to generic captions and crop out or blur anything that identifies their location.

3. Embarrassing Stories or Photos

What you find hilarious now might humiliate your child later. Diaper blowouts, potty-training mishaps, or tantrum videos often gain attention, but they come at the cost of your child’s dignity. Kids grow up, and once they hit school age, the internet never forgets. What feels like a funny parenting moment to you could end up as bullying fodder or emotional baggage for them. Respect their future autonomy by asking: “Would I want this shared about me?”

4. Medical or Behavioral Information

Health diagnoses, developmental delays, or therapy updates might be shared out of pride, concern, or a desire to connect, but these are deeply personal matters. Your child has a right to control their own health story, and sharing it publicly may unintentionally violate that right. Even seemingly minor details about allergies, medications, or sensory challenges could be used inappropriately by others. Save those conversations for private groups or real-life support systems. Their health journey is theirs to tell when they’re ready.

5. Bath or Diaper Photos

No matter how cute they are in the moment, bath or diaper shots should stay completely offline. These images can be manipulated, misused, or fall into the wrong hands, especially in spaces where online predators are known to lurk. Social media algorithms don’t filter content the way a parent’s instinct should. It’s best to avoid posting any photos that include nudity or partial nudity, even for toddlers. Your child’s safety and privacy far outweigh any likes or laughs.

6. Real-Time Updates of Their Whereabouts

Live updates about your child’s soccer game, park playdate, or birthday party may seem innocent, but they can also signal your child’s exact location in real time. This is one of the biggest privacy concerns for kids growing up in the digital age. Posting while you’re still at an event can open the door for unwanted attention or tracking. If you want to share special moments, consider waiting until you’re home and posting afterward without timestamps or location tags. It’s a simple switch that can add an important layer of protection.

7. Information About Custody or Family Conflict

Posting about legal battles, co-parenting struggles, or disagreements with ex-partners might feel validating in the moment, but it can hurt your child in the long run. Children deserve to be kept out of the public details of adult issues. These posts can later be seen by others, including family, teachers, or even your child themselves, and can add confusion or emotional stress. It’s always better to vent privately with trusted friends or professionals. Protect your child’s emotional well-being by keeping sensitive matters offline.

The Internet Doesn’t Forget—But You Can Still Choose Wisely

The digital world is here to stay, but so is your ability to pause and protect. Every post about your child becomes part of their story, whether you intend it that way or not. By learning what never to post about your kids online, you’re taking a powerful step toward safeguarding their identity, safety, and future dignity. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being mindful. Let’s raise kids who can look back at their digital footprint with pride, not embarrassment.

What’s your personal rule when it comes to posting about your child? Have you ever had to delete a post you later regretted? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Read More:

8 Legal Battles That Arise From Posting About Your Kids Online

7 Reasons You Shouldn’t Post Pictures of Your Young Children Online

Catherine Reed
Catherine Reed

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.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: digital safety, family boundaries, kids and social media, kids privacy rights, online privacy, online safety for kids, parenting tips, protecting children online, sharenting

10 Things You Should NEVER Share About Your Children on Social Media

April 4, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Family sitting on a sand. Mother in a white t-shirt. Cute little boy with paints on his face
Image Source: 123rf.com

Social media allows us to share life’s most precious moments with friends and family, but when it comes to our children, oversharing can lead to unintended consequences. While posting cute photos and milestones may seem harmless, certain details can expose your child to risks such as identity theft, cyberbullying, or invasion of privacy. Protecting your child’s safety and dignity should always come first. Here are ten things you should never share about your children on social media.

1. Full Names and Birthdays

Sharing your child’s full name, along with their birthday, can provide all the information needed for identity theft. Scammers can use these details to create fraudulent accounts or access sensitive information. Be cautious about birthday posts that reveal too much. Instead, consider sharing moments without personal identifiers. Keeping their full name and birthdate private helps safeguard their identity.

2. Home Address or School Location

Posting details about your child’s home address or school location puts their safety at serious risk. Predators and strangers can use this information to locate your child. Avoid tagging the exact locations of your home, school, or regular activities. If you want to share milestones like the first day of school, do so without identifying the school’s name or address. Protecting this information creates a safer environment for your child.

3. Photos in School Uniforms

School uniforms often display logos, crests, or other identifying details that reveal where your child studies. Posting photos of your child in their school uniform can inadvertently disclose their location. Be mindful of the background and clothing in your pictures before sharing them online. Opting for non-identifiable outfits in photos ensures an extra layer of security.

4. Embarrassing or Private Moments

While it might be tempting to share funny or embarrassing moments, these posts can affect your child’s self-esteem and reputation as they grow older. What you find amusing now might become a source of shame or bullying in the future. Respect your child’s privacy by keeping intimate moments off social media. Always consider how your child might feel about the post later in life.

5. Health or Medical Information

Doctor and patient child. Physician examining little boy. Regular medical visit in clinic. Medicine and health care concept.
Image Source: 123rf.com

Your child’s health and medical details are deeply personal and should remain confidential. Sharing information about illnesses, treatments, or diagnoses can lead to stigmatization or unwanted attention. Protect your child’s dignity by keeping these details private. If you need advice or support, consider reaching out to trusted friends or groups privately instead of sharing publicly.

6. Naked or Bath-Time Photos

Photos of children in vulnerable situations, such as during bath time, can attract the wrong kind of attention online. Unfortunately, even innocent images can be misused by predators. Never share images where your child’s privacy could be compromised. Opt for fully-clothed and appropriate pictures to ensure your child’s safety and protect their dignity.

7. Detailed Vacation Plans

Posting about an upcoming vacation may alert strangers that your home will be empty, increasing the risk of burglary. Similarly, sharing your child’s location during a trip can pose safety concerns. Wait until you’ve returned home to share travel memories. Keeping your plans private minimizes risks and keeps your family safe.

8. Behavioral Issues or Punishments

Publicly sharing details about your child’s behavioral challenges or punishments can harm their reputation and strain your relationship with them. Such posts may lead to embarrassment or resentment as they grow older. Address these matters privately without broadcasting them to a wider audience. Respecting their dignity fosters trust between you and your child.

9. Frequent Check-Ins or Real-Time Locations

Constantly tagging your child’s location in real time makes it easy for others to track their movements. This can compromise their safety, especially if strangers or ill-intentioned individuals are monitoring your posts. Limit sharing real-time locations and opt for more general updates that don’t reveal your child’s whereabouts. Prioritizing their safety means being mindful of the information you share.

10. Personal Milestones Without Consent

As your child grows, they should have a say in what’s shared about them online. Posting milestones like their achievements, awards, or special moments without their consent can breach their privacy. Always ask your child if they’re comfortable with a post before sharing. Teaching them to assert their boundaries empowers them to manage their digital footprint responsibly.

Protect Their Privacy, Protect Their Future

Sharing aspects of your child’s life on social media can be tempting, but certain details are better kept private for their safety and well-being. By being mindful of what you post, you can safeguard their identity, security, and dignity.

What boundaries do you set for sharing about your children online? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!

Read More:

9 Important Values to Teach Children

7 Reasons You Shouldn’t Post Pictures of Your Young Children Online

Tamila McDonald
Tamila McDonald

Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: child safety, digital safety, online privacy, parenting advice, social media tips

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Basic Principles Of Good Parenting

Here some basic principles for good parenting:

  1. What You Do Matters: Your kids are watching you. So, be purposeful about what you want to accomplish.
  2. You Can’t be Too Loving: Don’t replace love with material possessions, lowered expectations or leniency.
  3. Be Involved Your Kids Life: Arrange your priorities to focus on what your kid’s needs. Be there mentally and physically.
  4. Adapt Your Parenting: Children grow quickly, so keep pace with your child’s development.
  5. Establish and Set Rules: The rules you set for children will establish the rules they set for themselves later.  Avoid harsh discipline and be consistent.
  6. Explain Your Decisions: What is obvious to you may not be evident to your child. They don’t have the experience you do.
  7. Be Respectful To Your Child: How you treat your child is how they will treat others.  Be polite, respectful and make an effort to pay attention.
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