Student & Parent Privacy Rights Guide – Informing Families About How Their Data is Used and Protected
As schools and districts collect and manage student data through digital platforms, learning management systems, and administrative records, parents and students must understand their privacy rights, how their data is used, and what protections are in place.
The National Student Data Privacy Association (NSDPA) has developed a Student & Parent Privacy Rights Guide to help families navigate how student data is collected, stored, shared, and safeguarded, while ensuring compliance with FERPA, COPPA, PPRA, and state privacy laws.
Why Parents & Students Need to Understand Their Privacy Rights
Many parents and students are unaware of how schools and EdTech vendors handle their data. By understanding privacy rights and protections, families can:
Ensure schools follow data privacy laws when collecting student information.
Know their rights to access, correct, or delete student records.
Make informed decisions about which EdTech tools and online services their child uses.
Identify potential privacy risks in apps, learning platforms, and school portals.
Take action if student data is misused, exposed in a breach, or shared without consent.
Key Privacy Laws Protecting Student Data
Parents and students are protected by several key privacy laws that regulate how schools and vendors handle student data:
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Gives parents the right to access and request corrections to their child’s education records.
Requires schools to get parental consent before sharing student data with third parties, except in certain legal or educational cases.
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
Applies to online services, websites, and apps used by children under 13.
Requires companies to obtain parental consent before collecting or sharing personal information.
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
Gives parents the right to opt out of surveys and data collection related to sensitive topics (e.g., political beliefs, mental health, income status).
State-Specific Privacy Laws
Some states have stricter laws (e.g., SOPIPA in California, SOPPA in Illinois, and NY Education Law §2-d).
These laws may provide additional parental rights and security protections.
What Parents & Students Should Know About Data Collection
To protect student privacy, families should be aware of what data is collected, who has access to it, and how it is used:
1. Types of Student Data Collected
Personal Identifiable Information (PII): Name, address, student ID, date of birth.
Academic Records: Grades, test scores, disciplinary history.
Health Data: Vaccination records, special education accommodations.
For learning management systems (LMS), digital assignments, and grading.
To track attendance and student progress.
For personalized learning and AI-driven educational recommendations.
To generate reports for teachers, administrators, and policymakers.
3. Who Has Access to Student Data
Teachers, school administrators, and approved staff members.
Third-party vendors providing EdTech services or student management tools.
Government agencies (in compliance with legal or educational reporting requirements).
How Parents & Students Can Protect Their Data
Families can take steps to ensure their student data remains private and secure:
Review Privacy Policies: Read the privacy policies of online learning tools and school platforms.
Opt Out When Possible: Some states allow parents to opt out of certain types of data collection.
Request Access to Student Records: Under FERPA, parents can request copies of their child’s education records.
Use Strong Passwords: Ensure students use secure, unique passwords for school accounts.
Ask Schools About Vendor Agreements: Confirm that schools have Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs) with EdTech vendors.
Report Privacy Concerns: If you suspect a privacy violation or data breach, report it to school administrators or privacy advocacy organizations.
How Schools Can Support Parent & Student Privacy Awareness
Schools and districts can help families better understand student data privacy by:
Providing privacy rights handbooks and FAQ guides.
Holding parent workshops on student data protection.
Requiring teachers to review privacy settings in online learning tools.
Offering data breach response guides for families in case of security incidents.
NSDPA’s Privacy Awareness Resources for Parents & Students
NSDPA provides clear, easy-to-understand resources to help parents and students understand their privacy rights and protections:
Student & Parent Privacy Rights Handbook.
FERPA & COPPA Compliance Guide for Families.
Online Safety Tips for Students Using EdTech Tools.
Step-by-Step Guide for Requesting Student Records.
Privacy FAQs for Parents & Guardians.
Start Protecting Your Student’s Data Today
By understanding student privacy laws, data collection practices, and security measures, families can take an active role in protecting their child’s data and ensuring schools follow legal guidelines.
Download NSDPA’s Student & Parent Privacy Rights Guide! Access privacy handbooks, compliance guides, and security tips to ensure families stay informed and empowered to protect student data.
Talking to Parents About Privacy – Templates and Materials for Schools to Educate Parents on Data Privacy Concerns
As schools and districts adopt digital tools and online learning platforms, parents have growing concerns about how their children’s data is collected, stored, and shared. Many parents are unfamiliar with student privacy laws, their rights, and how schools protect personal information.
To build trust and transparency, schools must proactively educate parents on student data privacy. The National Student Data Privacy Association (NSDPA) provides communication templates, FAQs, and informational materials that schools can use to help parents understand privacy policies, data security practices, and legal protections.
Why Schools Should Proactively Communicate About Data Privacy
Many parents are unaware of how student data is used or may assume that schools automatically ensure privacy protections. Clear communication helps:
Build trust between schools, parents, and students.
Ensure families understand FERPA, COPPA, and state privacy laws.
Prevent misinformation and privacy-related concerns before they escalate.
Give parents a way to opt out of certain data collection activities when legally applicable.
Encourage parents to take an active role in protecting their child’s online safety.
Key Topics Schools Should Discuss with Parents
When talking to parents about data privacy, schools should provide clear, accessible information on the following key topics:
1. What Student Data is Collected
Explain what types of student data are collected (e.g., personal information, grades, attendance, behavioral data).
Clarify whether data collection is required for educational purposes or optional.
2. How the School Protects Student Data
Describe encryption, access controls, and data security policies.
Explain who has access to student records and under what conditions.
3. How Schools Use EdTech Vendors
Provide a list of approved learning apps and third-party tools.
Explain Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs) and vendor compliance requirements.
4. Parents’ Rights Under Privacy Laws
Outline FERPA rights, including access to student records and data correction requests.
Explain COPPA protections for children under 13 using online services.
Detail any state-specific privacy laws that give parents additional rights.
5. Steps Parents Can Take to Protect Their Child’s Data
Encourage strong passwords and online safety education for students.
Provide instructions for opting out of surveys or data collection where applicable.
How Schools Can Effectively Communicate with Parents About Privacy
To ensure that privacy information is accessible and easy to understand, schools should use a variety of communication methods:
1. Parent Privacy Handbook
Develop a simple, clear privacy guide explaining school data practices.
Provide examples of real-world privacy scenarios parents may encounter.
2. School Website & Privacy Hub
Create a privacy section on the district website with FAQs and contact details.
Provide downloadable templates for opt-out forms and privacy requests.
3. Parent Newsletters & Email Templates
Send regular updates about student privacy and cybersecurity best practices.
Include privacy awareness messages in school email newsletters.
4. Privacy Information Sessions
Host parent workshops on student data privacy.
Invite privacy experts, school IT leaders, or legal professionals to present.
5. Opt-Out & Consent Forms
Provide clear opt-out forms for optional data collection activities.
Explain how parents can request deletion of student records when legally applicable.
NSDPA’s Privacy Communication Templates for Schools
To help schools engage parents in student privacy discussions, NSDPA provides customizable templates and educational materials, including:
Parent Privacy Awareness Letter Template – Pre-written letter explaining student data privacy practices.
Parent FAQ Sheet on FERPA & COPPA – A one-page guide summarizing key privacy laws.
School Data Privacy Presentation for Parent Meetings – Slide deck template for school administrators.
Student Privacy Opt-Out Form Template – Customizable form for parents who wish to limit data sharing.
Cybersecurity & Online Safety Tips for Families – Digital safety best practices for students and parents.
Start Engaging Parents in Student Privacy Conversations Today
By providing clear, accessible information about student data privacy, schools can build trust with parents and ensure they feel confident in how their child’s data is handled.
Download NSDPA’s Parent Privacy Communication Toolkit! Access email templates, privacy guides, and opt-out forms to help educate families about student data protection policies.
Digital Citizenship & Online Safety for Students – Guidance on Safe Online Practices for Children and Teens
In today's digital world, students engage with online learning tools, social media, and educational apps daily. While these platforms provide valuable educational opportunities, they also expose students to privacy risks, cyber threats, and online safety concerns.
Teaching digital citizenship and online safety helps students develop responsible online habits, protect their personal information, and avoid cyber risks. The National Student Data Privacy Association (NSDPA) provides educational resources, safety guides, and best practices to help schools, parents, and students navigate the digital landscape safely.
Why Digital Citizenship & Online Safety Matter
Without proper guidance, students may unknowingly share personal information, fall victim to cyberbullying, or expose themselves to online scams. Digital citizenship education helps students:
Understand how to protect their personal data online.
Recognize and avoid cyber threats such as phishing and malware.
Develop critical thinking skills for evaluating online content and misinformation.
Practice responsible online behavior and digital etiquette.
Understand the long-term impact of their digital footprint.
Key Digital Citizenship Topics for Students
Students should learn essential online safety principles to help them navigate digital spaces responsibly. The following topics are critical for digital citizenship education:
1. Protecting Personal Information
Understand what personal information should never be shared online (e.g., full name, home address, school name, phone number).
Set strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all school and personal accounts.
Adjust privacy settings on social media and educational platforms.
2. Recognizing Cyber Threats & Online Scams
Identify phishing emails and scam messages that try to steal personal information.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files.
Understand how to report cyber threats or suspicious activity to teachers or parents.
3. Responsible Social Media Use
Think before posting: How does this reflect on me? Could this harm someone else?
Avoid sharing inappropriate content or engaging in online conflicts.
Understand that posts, messages, and images can be permanent—even if deleted.
4. Digital Footprint & Online Reputation
Everything students do online leaves a trace that colleges, employers, and others can see.
Use positive digital engagement (e.g., creating educational content, engaging in constructive discussions).
Regularly review past online activity to ensure it aligns with personal and professional goals.
5. Cyberbullying Prevention & Reporting
Recognize the different forms of cyberbullying (harassment, doxxing, impersonation, etc.).
Know how to block, mute, and report cyberbullies on different platforms.
Encourage students to speak up and seek help from a trusted adult if they experience or witness cyberbullying.
6. Evaluating Online Content & Fake News
Develop critical thinking skills to identify misinformation and biased content.
Use fact-checking tools like Snopes, Google Fact Check, and verified news sources.
Understand the risks of deepfakes, AI-generated content, and manipulated media.
Best Practices for Teaching Digital Citizenship
Schools and parents can take an active role in promoting online safety by implementing the following best practices:
Integrate digital citizenship lessons into technology and computer science curricula.
Use real-life case studies and role-playing activities to help students practice decision-making in online scenarios.
Encourage students to take the “Pause Before You Post” pledge to promote mindful online interactions.
Provide regular workshops for parents on internet safety and social media monitoring.
Work with school IT teams to ensure strong privacy settings and security controls on student devices.
NSDPA’s Digital Citizenship & Online Safety Resources
To help schools, teachers, and parents educate students on online safety, NSDPA provides customizable lesson plans, safety checklists, and awareness campaigns, including:
Student Online Safety Checklist – A guide to help students secure their digital accounts.
Social Media Privacy Settings Guide – Step-by-step instructions for managing privacy on major platforms.
Digital Footprint Awareness Lesson Plan – A classroom activity to teach responsible online behavior.
Cyberbullying Prevention Toolkit – Resources for recognizing and responding to online harassment.
Fact-Checking & Misinformation Guide – A student-friendly guide to identifying fake news and unreliable sources.
Start Teaching Digital Citizenship & Online Safety Today
By equipping students with digital citizenship skills and online safety awareness, schools and parents can help them navigate the digital world responsibly and securely.
Download NSDPA’s Digital Citizenship & Online Safety Toolkit! Access lesson plans, student checklists, and educational guides to help students develop safe and responsible online habits.
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Data Privacy Resources
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Access a wealth of resources designed to help you implement best practices in data privacy.
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Participate in our training programs and workshops to stay updated on the latest in data privacy.
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