Student data privacy refers to the protection of sensitive and personally identifiable information (PII) of students, including their educational records, from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.

Student data privacy is crucial for maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and security of students' personal information. It helps prevent identity theft, misuse of data, and potential harm to students' privacy rights.

Student data includes a wide range of information such as names, addresses, dates of birth, student ID numbers, grades, attendance records, disciplinary records, health information, and any other personally identifiable information collected by educational institutions.

Everyone. Educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, are primarily responsible for safeguarding student data privacy. Additionally, students, parents, educators, administrators, and technology service providers involved in collecting, storing, or processing student data also have a responsibility to ensure its privacy and security.

Educational institutions can protect student data privacy by implementing robust data security measures, such as encryption, secure storage systems, and access controls. They should also establish clear policies and procedures for data handling, train staff on privacy practices, and regularly audit and monitor data systems.

Student data should only be shared with third parties under strict conditions and with appropriate consent. Educational institutions must ensure that third-party service providers comply with privacy regulations and have proper safeguards in place to protect student data. SACS vets online software tools to verify what is being collected. It is impossible to vet every single website, but those that ask for login credential where information is required to login are vetted to ensure student data privacy standards are met. 

Yes, several laws and regulations exist to protect student data privacy, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in the United States. CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act) is a federal law enacted in the United States that requires schools and libraries to implement internet filtering and safety measures to protect minors from accessing inappropriate online content. It also mandates the education of students regarding safe online practices. COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) is another federal law in the United States that governs the online collection of personal information from children under the age of 13. COPPA requires website operators and online services to obtain parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information of children and establishes certain privacy rights for parents and guardians.

Other countries may have similar laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. Additionally, some states or provinces may have specific regulations addressing student data privacy.

If you suspect a breach of student data privacy, you should immediately report it to the school. Your teacher, school administrator, or Computer Specialist can investigate the issue and take necessary actions to mitigate any potential harm.

Students and parents can contribute to protecting student data privacy by being aware of the privacy policies and practices of educational institutions they are associated with. They should also exercise caution while sharing personal information and report any suspicious activities or unauthorized access to their educational institution.