The Myth of “Safe by Default”

We all want to believe that when our kids log in at school, they’re safe, that the tools, platforms, and people behind those glowing screens are trustworthy.

But “approved by the district” doesn’t automatically mean “protected.” In fact, most parents would be shocked at how much data flows through K–12 systems, and who actually has the keys to it.

Schools Are Using More Tech Than Ever. However, in Many Cases Oversight Hasn’t Caught Up

Our students use technology for everything: assignments, testing, attendance, counseling, even behavior tracking. Every one of those clicks generates data, data that can identify your child, track behavior patterns, and follow them long after graduation.

The assumption is that there are experts behind the scenes keeping everything secure. But in many districts, the people with the most access to student systems don’t necessarily have backgrounds in education, cybersecurity, or child protection. Sometimes, they’re promoted internally without formal training, yet have “God Mode” access to every student account, file, and digital communication.

That’s not paranoia. It’s poor oversight.

Why Oversight of Tech Staff Matters

Technology isn’t inherently dangerous - unchecked access is.

When staff with limited training or accountability controls can view, export, or even modify student data, it opens the door to mistakes, misuse, and, in rare but real cases, abuse.

Districts should treat tech access like financial access. You wouldn’t let one person manage the books, sign the checks, and approve the audits, yet that’s exactly what happens in some IT departments.

Oversight protects everyone: students, staff, and even the tech administrators who want to do their jobs ethically. It ensures transparency and reduces the risk of inappropriate access to children’s private digital spaces.

What “Being Tech-Informed” Really Means as a Parent

You don’t need to be an IT expert. You just need to be informed enough to ask the right questions.

Here’s where to start:

1. Who has full administrative access?

Ask your district who can see or export student data, messages, and activity logs. There should be a clear, documented process, not “whoever handles it.” By law, IT departments are to keep a log of access with the 'Educational' purpose for the access. For example, an interim director accessing your child's chat logs, YouTube searches, conversations between classmates should be well documented.

2. Are there access logs or audits?

Most systems - Infinite Campus, Google Workspace for Education, LineWize, Canvas - can produce reports showing who accessed what, and when. Parents have the right to request this information. There is a major difference between a records request and an access request. Click here for more information on that.

3. What training do tech staff receive?

Ask if those managing student accounts are trained on FERPA, COPPA, and ethical handling of minors’ data. You’d be surprised how often the answer is “no.” or worse parents are lied to because staff being questioned do not know.

4. Are third-party apps vetted?

Just because an app is “approved” doesn’t mean it’s safe. Request to see the district’s privacy evaluation checklist for third-party tools. Then review the applications privacy policy for alignment.

These aren’t “nosy” questions - they’re responsible ones. And asking them builds a culture of accountability that protects every student, not just your own.

This Isn’t About Distrust - It’s About Partnership

Parents who ask questions aren’t troublemakers - they’re advocates.

The same systems that connect our kids to the world also collect and store pieces of their identity. That deserves oversight, transparency, and respect.

When we stay informed, we don’t just protect our children’s privacy, we strengthen trust in our schools. Because true safety doesn’t come from silence; it comes from awareness.

So keep asking. Keep learning. Keep showing up.

Your curiosity is the best safeguard your child has.