Protecting Children’s Personal Data in Digital Education

The role of PERMA Digital

As 28 January, Data Protection Day, approaches, attention turns to how personal data are handled in digital learning environments. Digital tools are now part of everyday school life. Children use online platforms to learn, communicate, and collaborate. At the same time, these environments generate personal information that requires careful handling.

Data protection in education is not a purely technical issue. It is closely connected to children’s safety, trust, and overall wellbeing.

Digital learning and personal data

Educational platforms support teaching and learning in many positive ways. They offer access to resources, encourage participation, and help teachers respond to students’ needs. However, they also record user activity, learning progress, and digital interactions.

When this information is not managed responsibly, children may be exposed to risks, including loss of privacy or misuse of data. For this reason, schools and families need clear guidance and practical strategies to ensure that digital learning environments remain safe and respectful of children’s rights.

PERMA Digital and data protection in schools

PERMA Digital approaches data protection as part of a broader understanding of digital wellbeing. The project promotes a whole-school perspective that brings together educators, students, families, and school leadership.

Through its framework and resources, PERMA Digital supports schools to:

• reflect on how digital platforms are used in everyday teaching
• understand what types of data are collected in digital classrooms
• apply responsible practices that respect children’s privacy
• support students in developing safe and balanced digital habits

This approach recognises that children’s wellbeing and digital safety are closely linked. When students feel protected and respected online, they are more able to engage, learn, and participate confidently.

Supporting children to understand data protection

Practical guidance for families and schools

Helping children protect their personal data starts with everyday conversations and simple habits. Both parents and educators play a key role.

Some practical steps include:

• Explain personal data in simple terms.
  Children need to understand that names, photos, passwords, and school accounts are private information and should not be shared freely.
• Encourage questions and open discussion.
  Children should feel comfortable asking when something online feels confusing or unsafe.
• Use real examples from school platforms.
  Showing children how they log in, what information appears on their profile, and why passwords matter makes data protection concrete.
• Set clear and consistent rules.
  Agree on when and how digital platforms are used, both at school and at home, and explain the reasons behind these rules.
• Model responsible digital behaviour.
  Adults’ own online habits strongly influence children. Respecting privacy and boundaries sets a powerful example.
• Focus on trust, not fear.
  Teaching data protection should help children feel confident and informed, not anxious about technology.

Supporting educators and families

PERMA Digital places strong emphasis on empowering educators and families. Teachers are supported in making informed decisions about digital tools, while families are encouraged to understand how children interact with technology both in and out of school.

The project’s results include research findings, practical frameworks, and educational resources that help schools establish consistent, responsible digital practices. These materials aim to strengthen trust between schools, families, and learners.

Data protection as a shared responsibility

Protecting children’s personal data requires collaboration. Schools, parents, policymakers, and developers all play a role. Data protection builds trust and supports positive learning experiences. It ensures that technology serves education without compromising children’s rights or well-being.

On Data Protection Day, PERMA Digital highlights the importance of placing children at the centre of digital education. Safe digital environments are not only about compliance. They are about care, responsibility, and respect.

👉 You can explore PERMA Digital’s research, framework, and educational resources here:
https://perma-digital.eu/results/