Protecting Your Family’s Data: Apps, Privacy & Digital Safety

Hello, Techies!

Last week, we explored the digital devices and apps shaping our personal everyday lives.

From smartwatches to streaming apps, we saw just how deeply technology is woven into learning, play, and connection.

But using digital tools is not just about what they do—it is also about what they collect.

In this week’s issue, we are diving into the part of tech that often stays hidden:
Data tracking. Privacy. Safety.
And what you can do to help your kids build smart, protective habits early.

📊 What Kind of Data Are Apps Collecting?

It might surprise you, but many apps collect more than just your name.

Whether your child is using a drawing app or you’re logging into a shopping site, chances are, something is being recorded.

Here’s the kind of information apps often track:

• Personal info: Your name, email, birthday—even your contact list

• Location data: Using GPS to offer directions or local recommendations

• Device details: Type of phone or tablet, operating system, etc.

• Usage behaviour: What you click, how long you stay, and which features you use most

Some of this data improves your experience—but it can also be used for targeted advertising, profiling, or even sold to third parties.

That is why digital safety is not optional—it is essential.

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself and Your Kids

Here are some easy but powerful habits you can start today:

• Check app permissions: If a calculator app wants your microphone during installation—something is off.

• Limit location sharing: Turn off location sharing unless it is absolutely necessary.

• Use strong passwords: Teach kids to never reuse passwords. Use a password manager if needed.

• Enable 2-factor authentication: This provides a simple extra layer of protection.

• Update apps regularly: Many app updates include important security patches.

• Log out of shared devices: Especially on school or public computers.

Pro Tip: Turn these into conversations with your child—not just rules.

Ask questions like: Why do you think this app needs your location? or What would you do if you saw a suspicious message?

These moments build trust and digital wisdom.

🧒🏽 Teaching Kids Digital Responsibility

Digital literacy is not just about how to use tech—it is about using it well.

Help your child build digital resilience by teaching:

• 💬 Online kindness: Be respectful and thoughtful, always.

• 🧠 Media smarts: Ask: Who made this? and Why are they showing me this?

• 🧘🏽‍♀️ Balance: Tech should enhance life, not consume it. Mix screen time with outdoor play and creativity.

• 🚫 Boundaries: Personal info should never be shared with strangers or unknown apps.

Digital responsibility is a muscle. The earlier we help kids strengthen it, the better prepared they’ll be.

🧰 Tools & Resources We Love

Need extra support or reviews before downloading a new app?

These resources can help:

• Common Sense Media – App reviews and screen-time guides

• NCSC – Cybersecurity tips for everyday families

• EFF – Digital rights and privacy advocacy

Bookmark these and refer back often!

💡 What’s Next? Let’s Talk About AI.

In next week’s final issue of this 3-part series, we will explore something we and our kids are starting to use more and more—AI chatbots.

Tools like ChatGPT, Meta AI, and DeepSeek can help with learning, writing, and creative play—but they also come with real risks and new questions:

• Should kids use AI for homework?

• What are the boundaries?

• How do we make sure they don’t over-rely on it?

We will walk you through it all—clearly, simply, and with tips you can use right away.

📘 Want to make this journey fun and practical for your child?

Tech Savvy Starts Here is the book designed to teach kids digital literacy through real-world examples, hands-on lessons, and conversations that stick.

Grab your copy now and build a tech-savvy mindset from the ground up.

Let’s raise a generation that’s not just tech-aware—but tech-wise.

Enjoyed this edition?
Forward it to a friend or colleague who’s navigating tech with kids.
Missed something? Catch up in the newsletter archive.

🧠 Keep learning. | 💬 Keep questioning. | 💥 Keep growing.

Your Tech Partner,
Ijeoma Ndu, PhD