Every app on your child's phone or tablet has a privacy policy. That policy describes what data the app collects, how it uses that data, and who it shares it with. Very few parents read these policies — and that's exactly what app developers count on. An app audit is the process of systematically reviewing what data the apps your child uses are actually collecting.
Start with the App Permissions
On both iOS and Android, you can see exactly what permissions each app has requested and been granted. Go to Settings > Privacy (iOS) or Settings > Apps > Permissions (Android) to see which apps have access to your camera, microphone, location, contacts, and photos. Any app that has permissions you didn't knowingly grant — or permissions that seem excessive for what the app does — is worth investigating further.
Review the App Store Data Labels
Apple's App Store now requires app developers to disclose their data practices in a standardized format in the app's listing. Look for the "App Privacy" section to see what data is collected and linked to your identity. Google Play has similar data safety labels. These aren't perfect, but they're a quick starting point.
The Three-Question Audit
For each app, ask: Does this app need this data to function? What does this company do with the data they collect? Can I use a privacy-preserving alternative that does the same job? Free apps are often free because user data is the product. When your child is the user and the product, that calculation deserves more scrutiny than we typically give it. A regular quarterly audit — even 20 minutes reviewing the apps your child uses most — is a meaningful step toward protecting their digital footprint.
