Protecting Your Child’s Identity: Keeping Personal Information Safe

16 December 2024

In today’s digital world, protecting your child's identity is more important than ever. Let's be honest—kids are growing up surrounded by technology. From the moment they can hold a tablet, they’re already clicking buttons and exploring the online world. But with all this tech comes a new set of challenges for parents. Chief among them? Keeping your child’s personal information safe.

The internet can be a wonderful place filled with learning, laughter, and connection, but it can also be a tricky and sometimes dangerous neighborhood where identity thieves and cybercriminals lurk. So, how do you ensure your child’s identity remains theirs and theirs alone? Don’t worry—we’re breaking it down step-by-step so you can keep your kiddo safe.

What Does It Mean to Protect Your Child’s Identity?

First off, let’s get clear on what we're talking about. Protecting your child’s identity means safeguarding their personal information—things like their full name, Social Security number, birthdate, and even photos—from getting into the wrong hands. Why? Because even though your little one might not have a credit card or a bank account yet, their information can still be used to commit fraud or theft.

Think about it. If someone gets a hold of your child’s Social Security number, they could open credit cards, apply for loans, or even create a whole fake identity. And the worst part? You might not find out for years until your kid grows up and discovers their credit score is a hot mess.

Why Is Your Child’s Identity at Risk?

You might be thinking, "My child doesn’t even have an email address—why would anyone care about their identity?" The truth is, cybercriminals LOVE targeting kids precisely because they have clean credit histories and no one is keeping an eye on their data. It’s like finding a blank canvas for fraud.

Plus, let’s not forget how much of our lives are shared online these days. From baby announcements on social media to school registration forms, your child’s data is floating around in more places than you realize. The more information out there, the easier it is for scammers to piece together your child’s identity like a jigsaw puzzle.

Signs Your Child’s Identity Might Be Stolen

Before we dive into prevention, let’s talk about some red flags you should watch for. It’s better to know the warning signs so you can take action ASAP if something fishy happens. Here’s what could be a sign of identity theft:

- Unexpected bills in their name: A credit card statement or collection notice addressed to your child? Huge red flag.
- Tax issues: If the IRS notifies you that your child’s Social Security number has already been used to file a tax return, that’s a problem.
- Denied services: If your child is turned down for government benefits, it could mean their SSN is already being used.

If any of these things happen, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and investigate.

Step-by-Step Tips to Protect Your Child’s Identity

Alright, now that we’ve got a good understanding of the risks, let’s dive into how you can keep your child’s identity safe. Here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Keep Personal Documents Locked Up

One of the simplest things you can do? Store important documents like your child’s birth certificate and Social Security card in a safe place. Think locked filing cabinet or even a safe deposit box. The fewer people who have access to these documents, the better.

2. Limit What You Share Online

We get it—sharing adorable pictures of your kids on social media is hard to resist. But think twice before you post. Avoid sharing your child’s full name, birthdate, school name, or location online. Even something as innocent as a “First Day of Kindergarten” sign can give away more information than you realize.

Pro tip: Check your privacy settings on social media to make sure you’re not oversharing with strangers.

3. Monitor Their Social Security Number

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your child’s Social Security number. You can run a credit report on their SSN to make sure no accounts have been opened in their name. Bonus: If you find out they have a credit report, that’s actually a red flag—minors shouldn’t have one unless there’s been identity theft.

4. Be Cautious With School Forms

Schools often require a lot of personal information for registration, but not all of it is always necessary. Ask questions before handing over your child’s Social Security number or other details. Is it mandatory? How will it be stored? Who will have access to it? The less information you share, the safer your child is.

5. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

If your child has online accounts—for gaming, learning apps, or even email—help them set up strong, unique passwords. Teach them the importance of keeping login information private. And if possible, enable two-factor authentication for extra security.

6. Freeze Their Credit

Did you know you can freeze your child’s credit? Yep, it’s a thing! A credit freeze prevents anyone (including scammers) from opening new accounts in your child’s name. You’ll need to contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to set it up, but it’s worth the effort.

7. Talk to Your Kids About Online Safety

Start the conversation early about staying safe online. Teach them not to share personal information with strangers, even if the person seems friendly. Simple things, like not clicking on suspicious links or entering their name and address on random websites, can go a long way.

8. Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi

If your kid uses devices in public places—like at a coffee shop or library—make sure they’re not connected to unsecured Wi-Fi. Hackers often use these networks to steal info. A VPN (virtual private network) is a good investment for added security.

What To Do If Your Child’s Identity Is Stolen

Let’s say the worst happens, and you discover someone’s been using your child’s identity. What now? Don’t panic! Here’s your action plan:

- File a report with the FTC: Visit identitytheft.gov to report the theft and get a recovery plan.
- Contact credit bureaus: Notify the credit bureaus and have a fraud alert placed on your child’s file. You might also want to request a credit freeze.
- Check with institutions: If the theft involved medical records, tax fraud, or financial accounts, contact the relevant institutions to resolve the issues.

It might take some time, but you can untangle the mess and secure your child’s future.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your child’s identity might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Think of it like putting a lock on your front door—taking a few precautions now will save you a ton of stress later. By being mindful of what you share, teaching your kids about online safety, and staying vigilant, you can keep their personal information safe and sound. Remember, it’s never too early (or too late!) to start protecting your child’s identity.