Back-to-school season is filled with excitement—new teachers, new friends, and new opportunities to learn and grow. But in today’s digital world, it also brings new risks. From online accounts for homework to apps that track grades and communication platforms between schools and parents, our children’s personal information is being collected more than ever.
As parents, God calls us to shepherd and protect the children entrusted to our care—both in the physical world and the digital one. Here are some practical ways to safeguard your child’s privacy this school year:
1. Limit What You Share Online
The first day of school photo is a tradition many families love. But be careful—posting pictures in front of your house, bus stop, or with your child’s school name/logo visible gives away personal details. Instead, share pictures privately with close family, or crop out identifiable information before posting.
2. Review School Apps and Portals
Schools increasingly use apps for assignments, grades, and communication. Before logging your child in, review the app’s privacy policy. Ask:
- What data is being collected?
- Who has access to it?
- How long is it stored?
If something feels invasive, ask your school about alternatives.
3. Teach Your Child Safe Online Habits
Just as Proverbs reminds us to “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6), teaching digital wisdom early is crucial. Show your child how to:
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Log out of shared devices
- Avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments
- Tell you right away if something online feels “off”
4. Watch Out for Over-Sharing in Class Projects
Some assignments may ask children to share personal details (like favorite places, family info, or daily routines). Help them give thoughtful answers that don’t reveal too much, especially if these projects are posted online or in shared digital classrooms.
5. Secure Their Devices If your child uses a laptop or tablet for school, add extra layers of protection:
- Enable parental controls and safe search filters
- Keep software and antivirus up to date
- Use strong Wi-Fi passwords at home
- Teach your child not to use public Wi-Fi without a VPN
6. Communicate with Teachers and Staff
Don’t be afraid to ask how the school protects student data. FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) gives you rights over your child’s information. Request clarity on who can access records, photos, or online accounts.
7. Pray for Protection and Wisdom
Technology will always carry risks, but we are not alone in guiding our children through them. Pray for discernment as a parent and for your child’s safety—online and offline. As Psalm 121:7-8 reminds us:
“The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Final Thought
Back-to-school season is a wonderful time of growth and opportunity. By being intentional about privacy and security, you can give your child the tools to thrive while staying safe. Protecting them online is just another way we shepherd their hearts and minds in today’s connected world.
If you have any questions regarding how to protect yourself better from cyber attacks or have a small business or organization that needs help moving in a more security-minded direction, please feel free to reach out to us and we can see have we can better serve you and our community.
God bless, and keep yourself and your flock safe
John Johnson
Shepherd Security
shepherdsecurity.net 
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