Child Identity Theft (Part 3)
Limiting the Risks of Child Identity Theft
Laws safeguard your child and your family's personal information. For example, the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), enforced by the U.S. Department of Education, protects the privacy of student records. It also gives parents of school-age kids the right to opt out of sharing contact or other directory information with third parties, including other families.
- Find out who has access to your child's personal information. Verify that the records are kept in a secure location.
- Pay attention to forms from school. Forms that ask for personal information may come home with your child, or you may get them through the mail or by email. Look for terms like personally identifiable information, directory information, and opt-out. Find out how your child's information will be used, whether it will be shared, and with whom.
- Read the notices from your child's school. Your school will send home an annual notice that explains your rights under FERPA, including your right to
- Inspect and review your child's education records
- Approve the disclosure of personal information in your child's records
- Ask to correct errors in the records
- Ask your child's school about its directory information policy. Student directory information can include your child's name, address, date of birth, telephone number, e-mail address, and photo. If you want to opt out of the release of directory information to third parties, it's best to put your request in writing and keep a copy for your files. If you don't opt out, directory information may be available to the people in your child's class and school, and to the general public.
- Ask for a copy of your school's policy on surveys. The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment gives you the right to see surveys and instructional materials before they are distributed to students.
- Consider other programs that take place at the school. Your child may participate in programs like sports and music activities that aren't formally sponsored by the school. These programs may have Web sites where children are named and pictured. Read the privacy policies of these organizations to find out if and how your child's information will be used and shared.
- Take action if your child's school experiences a data breach. Your child's school or the school district may notify you of a data breach. If not, and you believe your child's information has been compromised, contact the school to learn more. Talk with teachers, staff, or administrators about the incident and their practices. Keep a written record of your conversations. Write a letter to the appropriate administrator, and to the school board, if necessary.
- File a complaint. You may file a written complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Family Policy Compliance Office.
- You may have additional rights. You may have additional rights under state law: Contact your local consumer protection agency or your state attorney general for details.
When Your Child Turns 16
It's a good idea to check whether your child has a credit report close to the child's 16th birthday. If there is one, and it has errors due to fraud or misuse, you will have time to correct it before the child applies for a job, a loan for tuition or a car, or needs to rent an apartment.
Federal Trade Commission. (2012, August). Child identity theft. Retrieved August 16, 2018, from https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/