Is Student Privacy At Risk? 8 Ways To Stay Secure In The IoT Age – Forbes

VR, AR, IoT In Education
Today’s schools are no strangers to technology. What began with basic computer labs and overhead projectors has evolved into fully connected classrooms powered by the Internet of Things (IoT). However, this digital transformation also raises significant privacy concerns for students and their families. Below, I will examine the impact of consumer-level IoT devices on student privacy and offer tips on how to keep children’s personal information secure in schools that rely on IoT tech.
IoT technology is transforming industries at a rapid pace, and education is no exception. In 2022, the global IoT in education market was valued at $8.7 billion, with projections soaring to $46.4 billion by 2032—a clear sign of the growing dependence on connected devices in classrooms.
This growth is largely driven by the enhanced learning experiences IoT enables. Smart boards, tablets, and wearable devices create interactive lessons that keep students engaged and motivated. Schools are also benefiting from increased administrative efficiency, as connected devices automate tasks like attendance tracking, record-keeping, and communication between teachers, students, and parents. Additionally, the data collected through these devices allows for personalized instruction, helping educators tailor lessons to individual learning styles for improved academic outcomes.
While these advancements offer significant benefits, they also raise important concerns. The large-scale collection and storage of student data introduce potential privacy and security risks, making it crucial for educators and parents to carefully consider the implications of integrating IoT into the classroom.
As promising as IoT can be for the classroom, the risks to student privacy are real. From smart tablets to interactive whiteboards and even connected smoke and vape detectors, these tools promise to enhance learning and improve safety, but they do present challenges. A number of studies and reports highlight the magnitude of these concerns:
In 2023, US schools and colleges experienced a record-breaking 121 ransomware incidents, up from 71 in 2022.
A 2022 Pew Research Center study found that 95% of teenagers have access to a smartphone, with 46% reporting they are online “almost constantly.”
More and more teachers report using digital learning tools every day. More devices in the classroom mean more data collection, raising the stakes for secure handling and storage.
Many educational apps and IoT devices are developed by external companies. Without strict oversight, these vendors might share student data with advertisers or other third parties.
Protecting student privacy in an IoT-driven environment requires a concerted effort by schools, parents, and technology providers. Here are some steps you can take:
Before allowing your child to use a new IoT device or educational app, read through its privacy policy. Look for clear statements on data collection, storage, and sharing. A trustworthy company will be transparent about its practices.
Many IoT devices come with security settings that are not activated by default. Features like multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and access controls can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Whether it is a tablet, laptop, or wearable, keeping the software up to date can safeguard against known vulnerabilities. Urge your child’s school to maintain a regular patching schedule for all IoT devices in classrooms.
Encourage your child to create unique passphrases for each service and device. Consider employing a password manager to help them keep track.
Even the best security system can be undermined by user errors. Teach your child to recognize phishing attempts, avoid sharing personal details online, and report suspicious activity to an adult.
If the school partners with tech providers or uses specific IoT devices, ask for documentation on how data is collected, stored, and used. Companies that value privacy will have these answers readily available.
Public forums can be an effective way to voice your concerns and ask questions about new technologies being introduced. School officials should be able to clarify how they are safeguarding student data.
Inquire into the district’s or school’s policy on data protection. Do they follow federal standards like the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)? Ensuring compliance with these regulations is essential.

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