unhackchildhood.com/topics/privacy-location · Reviewed September 24, 2026
DO THIS FIRST
Take back some control.
- 01
Make social profiles private and remove followers you do not actually know.
- 02
Review location access for every app. Use “never” or “while using” unless constant access is truly needed.
- 03
Turn off precise location for apps that do not need it and review family-location sharing together.
- 04
Remove phone numbers, birth dates, school details, schedules, and home information from public profiles.
- 05
Check old posts, tagged photos, shared albums, and public usernames—not only the newest app.
FOR STUDENTS
No shame. Just the next move.
- A private account is not a private room. Post as if someone could save and share it.
- Use a username and profile image that do not reveal your full identity on public gaming or social spaces.
- Ask before posting another person’s face, location, messages, or embarrassing moment.
FOR PARENTS
Contain first. Debrief later.
- Model consent. Ask before posting your child’s vulnerable, medical, disciplinary, or embarrassing moments.
- Explain location-sharing expectations openly instead of using it as invisible surveillance.
- Review settings together after installing an app and whenever it adds major new features.
TRUSTED NEXT STOPS
Official help and reporting.
CISA family security guidance ↗Simple steps for safer accounts and devices.NetSmartz ↗NCMEC resources for children, teens, parents, and educators.
Reviewed September 24, 2026. External guidance changes; confirm time-sensitive steps on the linked official site.
SET IT UP