Data Protection on the Internet: Clear Advice for Adults and Parents

We live connected almost all the time: mobile phones, tablets, computers, smartwatches… everything is always online. And with that comes a risk many overlook: privacy on the Internet. Every photo you upload, every message you send, every “like” you give leaves a trace.

For an adult, it may seem technical or distant, but the decisions you make today (what data you share, with whom, how) can affect your safety, your reputation, or even your rights. And if you have underage children, that responsibility expands: you’re guiding them through a world you experienced with much less exposure.

In Spain (and across Europe), we have laws such as the Organic Law on Data Protection and guarantee of digital rights (LOPD-GDD), aligned with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which aim to protect you from data misuse. But the law is just a backup; real control comes from good habits.

Throughout this article, we’ll look at how to move more safely on social media, set strong passwords, limit screen time (for you and your kids), shop online wisely, and much more. In the end, you’ll have practical tips you can apply right away.

Social networks (Facebook, X, Instagram, chats, downloads)

Social networks and messaging apps are major exposure points. Here’s advice depending on whether you’re an adult or a parent:

For adults

Activate privacy controls to the maximum: make your posts visible not to “everyone” but only to close friends.
Don’t download shady apps or apps that request excessive permissions (access to camera, microphone, contacts, location).
Be careful with what you share: personal data, location, intimate photos. Once uploaded, escaping it is almost impossible.
In messaging (WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, etc.), check whether your conversation is end-to-end encrypted.
Before clicking on links you receive privately (even from friends), pause: it might be phishing.
Be especially careful with add-ons like “quizzes,” “fun tests,” or apps that promise interesting facts; many times they’re ways to collect your data.

For parents with underage children

Talk to your children about what they can and cannot share. Explain that not everything they see on Instagram or TikTok is safe.
Set usage rules: how many hours a day, what types of content, whom they can chat with.
Use parental controls when the platform allows it (YouTube Kids, restricted mode, supervision apps).
Check your children’s profiles periodically (what’s public, which friends they’ve added).
Teach them not to accept friend requests from strangers or share personal information with someone they’ve only met online.

According to the Spanish Data Protection Agency, there are materials explaining step-by-step how to configure privacy settings in social networks and browsers.

Tips on safe passwords

This is a classic, but still essential. A weak password is like leaving your front door open with a latch.

What to do (adults and parents):

Use long passwords (at least 12 characters) combining uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Avoid birth dates, common names, “123456,” and similar things.
Use a different password for each account. Yes, it can be messy, but that’s what password managers are for (LastPass, Bitwarden, 1Password…).
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. It’s an extra layer that can stop intruders even if your password leaks.
Change passwords periodically, especially if you know or suspect a database has been hacked.
Don’t share passwords via messages or emails. If you need to share access, do it temporarily and change it afterward.

According to INCIBE (Spain’s cybersecurity agency), using strong passwords + 2FA are two of the most recommended measures to protect your online privacy.

Controlling the time spent online

If you spend hours glued to your screen, you don’t just waste time—you may expose your data more. To avoid that:

Set “screen-free” schedules: for example, no social media during dinner or an hour before sleeping.
Use apps that track your usage time (Apple Screen Time, Google Digital Wellbeing, etc.).
For children, set specific limits: maximum hours per day, breaks, screen-free times.
Use that free time for offline activities: reading, walking, exercising.
Review with your family which digital activities are going well and which aren’t (which apps generate anxiety, distraction).

This control isn’t just about mental health: it reduces the chances of spending hours browsing risky sites, clicking strange links, or relaxing so much that you stop paying attention to what you share.

Risk of Internet addiction

Digital addiction isn’t an exaggeration; it can have real consequences: anxiety, isolation, sleep problems, deteriorated relationships, loss of productivity.

For adults: if you notice you can’t put your phone down, check it constantly, or get stressed when not connected, something might be going on.
For children and teens: be careful with apps designed to hook users—endless feeds, constant notifications.
Take active breaks: every 45–60 minutes, get up and do something physically or mentally different.
Set clear offline moments (an afternoon without Internet, weekends with partial disconnection).
Look for alternative activities that promote well-being without screens: sports, music, art, reading.

A fact: according to recent statements by the AEPD, there are warnings that excessive digital consumption could be considered a public health issue, comparable or even “worse than alcohol or tobacco” in some cases.

Being alone or accompanied (personal vs. group use)

Personal use

Log out when you finish using an app or service, especially on public or shared devices.
Don’t leave simultaneous logins open on several devices if you don’t need them.
Secure your private network: home WiFi with a strong password and a separate guest network.

Group use (family, friends, shared spaces)

On shared devices, each person should have their own profile (with lock).
If you lend a device (tablet, laptop), disable automatic access to your personal accounts.
When you make video calls or share your screen, check that no windows with sensitive data are open.
If your child uses your computer or phone, set up separate accounts with limited permissions.

Using the Internet in a group can be fun, but you need boundaries so no one accesses what they shouldn’t.

Shopping online safely

Buying online is almost unavoidable today. But be careful: not every website is safe.

Tips for everyone:

Make sure the URL starts with https and shows a padlock (although note: the padlock isn’t absolute proof).
Use secure payment methods: cards with antifraud protection, platforms like PayPal or similar that add an extra layer.
Don’t store your banking data unless necessary (many websites offer “save for future purchases,” but that may pose risk).
Use private networks (not public WiFi) when shopping online. If on public WiFi, use a VPN.
Check reviews from other users before buying. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Save screenshots or confirmation emails: they may help if you need to file a claim.
Keep your device updated (operating system, browser, antivirus) so no vulnerabilities can be exploited.

Precautions when sharing personal data with strangers

Friends, social media acquaintances, or people who just appeared in a chat: the rule applies to all. Don’t share data lightly.

Never disclose highly sensitive information (ID number, bank account number, password, exact address).
If someone asks for your information “to help you” or “as a favor,” be suspicious.
In public forums or chats, hide personal data; use nicknames.
If someone proposes exchanging data or information (photos, documents), ask for guarantees: why do they need it?, what will they do with it?
If someone tries to extort you with shared data (or private photos), seek legal help or contact the authorities.

Also, before filling out online forms with personal data, review the site’s privacy policy: what they will do with your data, how long they will store it, whom they will share it with.

Conclusions and practical recommendations

We’ve covered a lot. Now, the essentials: concrete measures you can adopt today:

Make a “digital inventory”: list which services you have accounts in, what data each one contains, and review them from time to time.
Use a password manager + activate 2FA whenever possible.
Set screen-free schedules or days for you and your children.
Review your social media privacy settings (who can see your posts, who can message you, etc.).
Shop online only on safe websites (https, reputation, reliable payment methods).
Never share sensitive data with strangers or accept too quickly.
Keep your devices updated and use antivirus, firewall, VPN if needed.
Educate minors: talk to them, explain risks and reasons, not just rules.
If something happens (data leak, hacking, harassment), collect evidence (screenshots, emails), contact the service, and if appropriate, file a claim or report with the relevant authority (APDCAT, AEPD).

We live in a digital world where our data has value. Protecting it isn’t paranoia: it’s acting with common sense and control. The more aware you are of what you share (and with whom), the harder it will be for someone to misuse that information.