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PROJECT: SAFETY VS PRIVACY OF CHILDREN'S GOOGLE ACCOUNT

  • isabels39
  • May 2
  • 5 min read

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Smartphones and online services are deeply integrated into everyday life, and parents often balance safety and privacy for their children. One of the key debates revolves around whether parents should have access to their child's Google account and password. While this access can be a powerful tool in emergencies, especially if a child goes missing, it raises significant concerns about privacy and trust.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS:

  • LOCATION TRACKING:

    • Access to your child's Google account enables location tracking through services like Google Maps or Find My Device.

    • If a child goes missing or doesn't come home at the expected time, pinpointing their last known location can be invaluable.

  • COMMUNICATION:

    • Accessing your child's account in an emergency allows you to send messages or emails on their behalf.

    • This could help reach out to friends or contacts with information on their whereabouts.

  • ACTIVITY INSIGHTS:

    • A Google account often contains a record of recent searches, messages, and interactions.

    • These digital breadcrumbs could provide leads during a search or offer context about the child's recent behaviour or movements.

RISKS AND DISADVANTAGES:

  • PRIVACY CONCERNS:

    • Knowing your child's password gives you full access to their emails, search history, and potentially sensitive personal information.

    • This can lead to a breakdown of trust and be viewed as an invasion of privacy, especially as children grow older and seek more autonomy.

  • POTENTIAL MISUSE:

    • Others could misuse the account if the login credentials are not kept secure.

    • This could involve impersonation, unauthorised communication, or even theft of personal data.

  • OVERRELIANCE ON TECHNOLOGY:

    • It is crucial to remember that technology, while helpful, is not infallible.

    • Devices can be turned off, locations can be disabled, and accounts can be tampered with. Relying solely on digital tools in emergencies may lead to delays or false leads.

PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVES:

  • FAMILY LINK BY GOOGLE:

    • Instead of knowing your child's Google password, consider using Google Family Link.

    • This service enables parents to monitor their child's app usage, set screen time limits, and locate their child's device without compromising their own account security.

  • SUPERVISED ACCOUNTS (13+ USERS):

    • For older teens:

      • Parents can still supervise accounts using Family Link, but with limited controls.

      • Teens must consent to supervision.

      • They are notified if settings are changed.

  • SHARED ACCESS TO KEY SERVICES:

    • If full account access is too invasive, parents can instead request:

      • Shared calendar access (e.g., Google Calendar).

      • Shared location through Google Maps (location sharing feature).

      • Access to YouTube history is available by setting YouTube to Restricted Mode or using YouTube Kids.

  • USE PARENTAL CONTROL APPS:

    • Apps like:

      • Qustodio

      • Net Nanny

      • Bark

      • Norton Family

    • Allow:

      • Monitoring of emails, browsing, and social media use.

      • Alerts for risky behaviour (e.g., bullying, predators).

      • Control without needing Google password access.

  • ESTABLISH EMERGENCY CONTACTS:

    • Ensure your child knows how to reach you or another trusted adult in an emergency.

    • A list of emergency contacts saved on their phone or memorised can be a simple yet effective safety measure.

  • PROMOTE OPEN COMMUNICATION:

    • Encouraging your child to keep you informed about their plans and whereabouts helps build trust and ensures their safety.

    • A relationship built on openness can often be more effective than one based on digital surveillance.

  • TRANSPARENT AGREEMENTS:

    • Create a tech usage agreement where the child:

      • Shares specific logins voluntarily.

      • Agrees to check-ins.

      • Has a discussion about "digital trust" in exchange for more independence.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Whether or not to have access to your child's Google account should be a thoughtful decision based on your child's age, maturity, and the level of trust in your relationship.

While safety is paramount, maintaining respect for your child's privacy is essential for

fostering independence and mutual respect.

Parents can make informed decisions that best support their child's security and personal growth

by carefully weighing the pros and cons and considering alternative safety measures.

Mr. Mike Bolhuis is frequently approached by concerned parents when their children's safety has been compromised in the digital or real world. As a seasoned expert in safety and security, he is often called upon to provide guidance and act as a mediator between parents and their children, helping to restore trust while prioritising the young person's well-being.


For assistance, you can contact Mr. Mike Bolhuis and his uniquely qualified specialist Cyber Team,

who are equipped to handle complex digital safety issues with professionalism, discretion, and expertise.

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.


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Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

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