Educational Technlogy Blog

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (n.d.), 97% of children aged 3 to 18 have access to the internet at home. As children spend more time online, either watching videos, playing games, or doing schoolwork, their digital footprints grow. However, behind this, technology companies are collecting data, tracking, and profiling children. Children need to have digital rights to ensure they are kept safe online.

The Laws that keep our children safe:

COPPA

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), passed in 1998. It requires websites and applications to get parental consent before collecting data from kids under 13. However, this law was written before TikTok and YouTube algorithms. It doesn’t cover how different platforms derive data from user behavior or how they encourage children to share more information (Federal Trade Commission, 2023). Due to these changes, COPPA is due for a serious update.

KOSA

In 2023, the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a bipartisan bill was introduced in the senate. It aims to:

• Set strong default privacy settings for minors
• Limit features that promote compulsive use
• Give parents more tools and transparency

KOSA also puts more responsibility on platforms to prevent harm from content and algorithmic amplification (U.S. Senate, 2023). While KOSA has bipartisian support, it’s not without controversy. Some civil liberties groups worry it could lead to censorship or overregulation.

Final Thoughts

As our children grow up in a world shaped by technology, we must do more than just monitor screen time, we must advocate to respect their dignity and protect them. That means holding companies accountable, updating outdated laws, and guiding kids with both wisdom and care.
Digital tools should serve children, not exploit them.

Jesus warned us about the consequences of harming or misleading children

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble…

— Matthew 18:6 (New International Version 1973/2011)

In today’s world, protecting children online is not just a policy issue, it’s a moral and spiritual one. Whether we’re parents, educators or app developers, we have a shared responsibility to ensure digital spaces protect children.

Refrences

Federal Trade Commission. (2023). Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (“COPPA”). https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule-coppa

National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.). Fast facts: Access to the internet (Fast Facts #46). U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved July 26, 2025, from https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=46

The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1973)

U.S. Senate. (2023). Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) – Bill Summary. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1409