In today’s digital classrooms, student data is collected more than ever before. From learning apps and online assessments to school-managed devices, your child’s information is constantly being generated, stored, and sometimes shared. Recent updates in guidance, state laws, and federal enforcement have strengthened protections, but they’ve also made the landscape more complex. Here’s what parents should understand right now about student data privacy and their rights.

The Laws That Protect Your Child

Several key federal laws form the foundation of student data privacy in the United States:

• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives parents the right to access their child’s education records, request corrections, and control most disclosures of personally identifiable information.

• Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) applies to children under 13 and requires parental consent before companies collect personal data online.

• Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) governs surveys and data collection involving sensitive topics like mental health, political beliefs, or family income.

Together, these laws set the baseline, but they have been supplemented by a growing number of state-level protections and updated federal guidance addressing modern technologies.

What’s Changed Recently

Over the past few years, there has been a significant shift in how student data privacy is handled:

• Stronger state laws: Many states now go beyond federal requirements, limiting how vendors can use student data, especially for advertising or profiling.

• More oversight of edtech vendors: Schools are expected to vet third-party apps more carefully and ensure contracts clearly define how student data is used and protected.

• Focus on data minimization: Schools and technology providers are being encouraged to collect only what is necessary, rather than large amounts of data “just in case.”

• Increased transparency expectations: Parents are being given clearer notices about what data is collected and how it is used.

Organizations like CoSN and Public Interest Privacy Center emphasize that privacy is now a core part of school cybersecurity and governance, not just a compliance checkbox.

Your Rights as a Parent

As a parent, you have more control than you might realize. Key rights include:

• Access to records: You can request to review your child’s education records at any time under FERPA.

• Request corrections: If information is inaccurate or misleading, you can ask the school to amend it.

• Consent to sharing: Schools generally need your permission before sharing personally identifiable information, with some exceptions (like school officials with legitimate educational interest).

• Opt-out options: You can often opt your child out of directory information sharing, surveys under PPRA, or certain online tools governed by COPPA.

• Transparency: Schools should inform you about the tools they use and what data those tools collect.

Where Risks Still Exist

Even with stronger protections, challenges remain:

• Third-party apps: Not all educational apps are equally secure or transparent.

• Data breaches: Schools are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks.

• Unclear policies: Privacy notices can still be difficult to understand or incomplete.

• Data sharing between systems: Integration between platforms can increase exposure if not properly managed.

This is why federal resources like Student Privacy Policy Office continue to release updated guidance to help schools and families navigate these risks.

What Parents Can Do Right Now

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect your child’s data. Start with these practical steps:

• Ask your school for a list of apps and platforms your child uses

• Review the school’s privacy policies and data-sharing agreements

• Exercise your right to access your child’s records

• Opt out of data sharing or surveys when appropriate

• Talk to your child about safe online behavior

The Bottom Line

Student data privacy is evolving quickly as technology becomes more embedded in education. The good news is that protections are stronger than ever, and parents have clear rights under laws like FERPA, COPPA, and PPRA. The key is staying informed and actively engaging with your child’s school about how their data is being used and protected.

If you have concerns, start by contacting your school’s administration - tip - be aware not all school administrators are knowledgeable about data privacy law. At the end of the day, a schools best interest is usually the protection of the school. You can also explore federal guidance and state-specific resources to better understand your options. Staying proactive is the best way to ensure your child’s information remains secure in a digital learning environment.