The internet is a powerful tool, but for children, it can also be a dangerous place. From harmful search results to inappropriate social media use, parents are often left scrambling for solutions. Thankfully, a mix of legal protections and tools from platforms like Google are stepping in to help safeguard kids online.
Let’s dive into how you can protect children from harmful content, remove sensitive information, and understand key global laws that shape online safety.
Removing Negative Google Search Results
When harmful content or personal details about a child appear on Google, it can have long-term impacts on their mental health and future opportunities. Google offers specific processes to help remove:
- Personal information like home addresses, phone numbers, or school
- Non-consensual images or harmful content targeting
How to Remove Content from Google
Wondering how to remove negative search results from Google to protect your child’s online reputation? With tools like the Google Removal Request Tool, parents can take proactive steps to reduce harmful content’s visibility and create a safer online experience.
1. Visit the Google Removal Request Tool.
- Provide Details: Submit the offending URLs and explain why the content should be
- Follow Up: Google reviews the request and may remove the content from its search
While this won’t delete the content from the internet, it significantly reduces its visibility.
International Online Safety Protections
Europe: GDPR and the “Right to Be Forgotten”
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), EU residents, including minors, can request the removal of personal data from online platforms. This “right to be forgotten” aims to give individuals control over their digital footprint.
Key features of GDPR for minors:
- Stronger consent requirements for processing children’s
- Clearer rights to delete data for underage
- Penalties for companies that fail to
Australia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s
In November 2024, Australia passed legislation banning access to social media for individuals under 16. The law requires social media platforms to verify users’ ages and block those under the threshold.
Pros of the Ban:
- Reduces exposure to harmful content and
- Encourages healthier developmental habits by limiting excessive screen
- Addresses online privacy concerns, particularly around data harvesting by tech
Cons of the Ban:
- Critics argue it infringes on children’s rights to expression, education, and
- Enforcement could lead to privacy risks, as platforms may require identity verification for all users.
Alternative approaches, such as placing a legal duty of care on social media platforms, are being explored globally to hold companies accountable without outright bans.
United States: State and Federal Efforts
- California: The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) includes a “right to erasure” for minors under 18, enabling them to delete posts or data they regret
- Florida: Proposed legislation aims to impose stricter content moderation and data privacy protections for minors, ensuring safer online interactions.
- Federal Law – COPPA: The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act limits data collection for children under 13 and requires parental consent for many online
What Parents Can Do Today
- Monitor and Search Regularly: Regularly search your child’s name online to spot and address any harmful content. Social listening and reputation management tools like Google Alerts can help by notifying you whenever new information about your child appears online, making it easier to stay proactive.
- Leverage Google Tools: Use Google’s removal request services to eliminate sensitive information.
- Discuss Digital Literacy: Teach kids about safe online practices, including what to share and what to avoid.
The Future of Online Safety
As global legislation evolves, countries are finding new ways to protect children online. From Europe’s GDPR to Australia’s bold social media ban, the focus is on creating safer digital spaces while balancing rights to expression and privacy.
The American SPCC supports educating families and advocating for tools that empower parents to guide their children through the challenges of the internet age. By combining Google’s resources with legal protections and proactive parenting, we can build an online world where kids thrive safely.