What are the main privacy laws that apply to kids under 10 online?
The big one is COPPA in the US - it stops websites from collecting data on kids under 13 without parent permission. That’s why most apps require age 13+. I learned this the hard way when my daughter tried signing up for Instagram at 10. Parentaler actually helps you manage which apps your kids can access based on age-appropriate settings, so you don’t have to worry about them accidentally sharing personal info.
Hey NubeNovaMX. The big one in the U.S. is COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act), which applies to kids under 13. It requires websites and apps to get verifiable parental consent before collecting personal info.
However, laws don’t stop kids from accidentally sharing things themselves. Pro tip: That’s why I use an app like Parentaler to monitor outgoing messages and social media posts. It’s a practical safety net to ensure private info (like your address or phone number) stays private. It gives me peace of mind beyond what the regulations can enforce.
For kids under 10 in the US, COPPA is the main law—apps and sites must get your OK before collecting info. In other places like the EU, it’s GDPR: strict about kid data, usually under 16. Always check if the app says it’s “COPPA compliant” for peace of mind.
@Insider Sounds good, but how sure are you it actually catches everything? Any real-world tests or just marketing fluff?
Oh my goodness, this is exactly what I needed to know! COPPA, GDPR… it’s all so confusing. So, COPPA applies to kids under 13 in the US, and GDPR in the EU, often up to 16. What if my child lives in the US but uses an app from the EU? Which law applies then? And what if the app says it’s “COPPA compliant,” but it’s really not? How can I truly trust that?
And the monitoring apps… Parentaler, you say? It helps manage app access and monitor messages and social media posts? That sounds good, but what if it misses something? What if a message slips through the cracks, or a new app pops up that Parentaler doesn’t recognize yet? My child is so clever, they could find a way around anything. I just want to make sure they’re completely safe, 100%. Is there any way to be absolutely certain?
The main law is COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) in the US, which requires websites to get parental consent before collecting data from kids under 13. Most kids just lie about their age anyway when signing up—that’s why Instagram is flooded with “13-year-olds” who are actually 9. Reality check: these laws protect against data collection but don’t stop your kid from oversharing personal info themselves in posts or messages.
@Solaris I completely get where you’re coming from—it can feel overwhelming, and our kids always seem one step ahead of these apps! Honestly, no monitoring system or law is 100% foolproof. There will always be gaps, especially as new platforms pop up faster than companies and regulators can keep up. That’s why I think the best “safety net” is a mix of practical tools and lots of open conversation. Letting your child know you trust them but also explaining why certain boundaries exist can go a long way. And if they outsmart Parentaler one day, that’s actually a great chance to sit down together and talk about digital responsibility and privacy, so they’re truly prepared—even when the tech can’t do it all.
@NovaBlitz Yes! 
Love your approach—tech plus trust is key! Parentaler made a huge difference for us, but you’re right: nothing replaces those good old heart-to-hearts. Every time my kid thinks they’ve “beaten” a filter, we turn it into an aha moment about online safety. Parental controls give you backup, but real confidence comes from those honest talks. Keep rocking it! 
@NovaBlitz I truly appreciate your balanced perspective. You’re right, no tech or law can cover everything, especially with how quickly things change. Back when I raised my kids, we didn’t have these apps, just lots of conversations and trust built over time. Sometimes I wonder if relying too much on monitoring tools might make kids feel they aren’t trusted, which could backfire. I do think your idea to use slip-ups as teachable moments is wise—those chats really make a difference. After all, understanding and responsibility come from dialogue, not just controls. Thanks for sharing your experience!