As students head back to school, a concerning reality emerges: many of the safety tools designed to protect students are secretly monitoring their activity far beyond school grounds. This surveillance extends into private lives, raising serious privacy questions for parents and guardians alike.

Uncovering the Extent of Monitoring

A recent study by UC San Diego reveals that the majority of school safety solutions are functioning as around-the-clock surveillance systems. While these tools claim to prevent bullying, identify mental health issues, and avert tragedies like school shootings, they often do so by tracking students’ digital footprints 24/7—both during school hours and at home.

Alarmingly, 86% of providers of these monitoring services keep tabs on students continuously, including every Google search, message, or social media activity. These companies often analyze personal devices students own, such as smartphones and laptops, using software mandated by schools.

Risk Assessments and Artificial Intelligence

Approximately one-third of these companies assign “risk scores” based on students’ online behavior—such as typed searches or draft emails. Even more concerning is that 71% rely heavily on AI algorithms to flag “risky” behavior, meaning decisions about a child’s safety are increasingly made by automated systems without human oversight.

Privacy Concerns at Home

This pervasive monitoring doesn’t stop at school. Many companies require students to install monitoring apps or software on personal devices, which can log late-night browsing habits, private messages, and social media activity. Such detailed data collection raises significant privacy issues, especially when personal communications are scrutinized or stored without transparent policies.

What Parents Should Ask Schools

While these tools aim to enhance safety, parents need to understand the extent of data collection and its implications. It’s crucial to ask school administrators about how student data is used, stored, and protected. Questions should include whether personal devices are monitored outside school hours and what measures are in place to safeguard privacy.

Clear communication with schools helps ensure that safety measures do not infringe on students’ rights or expose their private information unnecessarily. Parents are encouraged to stay informed and advocate for transparent policies regarding surveillance practices.

Protecting Personal Data from Online Exploitation

Beyond school-related concerns, parents should also be aware of how third-party data brokers may sell personal information collected online. Being cautious about the digital footprint children leave across platforms helps mitigate future privacy risks.

For resources and guidance on protecting your family’s digital privacy, consult reputable cybersecurity organizations and official privacy advocacy sites. Staying informed empowers parents to make better decisions about technology use and data security.

Ethan Cole

I'm Ethan Cole, a tech journalist with a passion for uncovering the stories behind innovation. I write about emerging technologies, startups, and the digital trends shaping our future. Read me on x.com