May 20, 2026
New guidelines to help schools protect children’s digital privacy
UOW researchers release five evidence-based principles to help schools protect children’s data and navigate online sharing
Australian children under 16 are banned from having social media accounts, but their images, names and personal information are often shared online by their schools and teachers as social media becomes embedded in school communications. New national guidance released by researchers from the University of Wollongong (UOW) School of Education aims to help schools navigate this growing challenge.
The report outlines five evidence-based principles to guide schools and teachers to responsibly share children’s information online. Led by Dr Karley Beckman and Associate Professor Tiffani Apps from the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, the guidance was developed in partnership with educators and leading advocacy, education and industry bodies.
Dr Beckman said the principles respond to concerns about data privacy, digital rights and the ethical use of children’s information on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
“Schools are working hard to communicate and connect with families, but current policies haven’t kept pace with the realities of digital environments, leaving schools and their students vulnerable,” Dr Beckman said.
“Teachers and school leaders are navigating complex decisions about children’s privacy every day. These principles offer practical, research-informed steps to help ensure children’s data is shared responsibly and respectfully.”
The five core principles in Research-Informed Principles to Guide Social Media Use in Education focus on more intentional use of social media, modelling respectful online behaviour, minimising the sharing of personal information, managing the full lifecycle of children’s data and obtaining consent.
It also highlights the risks associated with the widespread public sharing of children’s images and personal information online – including data scraping, algorithmic profiling and misuse in AI-generated content – and identifies the practical steps schools can take to avoid them.
Associate Professor Apps said the recommendations have immediate relevance to schools across all sectors.
“Parents want to stay connected to their child’s school life, but they also want clarity and confidence that their child’s digital rights are being protected,” Associate Professor Apps said.
“These principles support schools to strengthen community engagement while reducing teachers’ workload and ensuring children’s best interests remain at the centre.”