What Parents Should Know About Their Child’s Digital Footprint

What Parents Should Know About Their Child’s Digital Footprint 

Children are growing up in a digital world where their online presence begins much earlier than many parents realise. From messaging apps and gaming platforms to school portals and social media, a child’s digital footprint can develop quickly and, in some cases, become relevant in family law matters. 

The Government has recently announced plans to introduce stricter protections for children online. Under proposals expected to take effect in Spring 2027, social media accounts will be banned for children under the age of 16. High-risk features, including livestreaming and the ability for strangers to contact children, are expected to also be restricted for under-16s on a range of online services, including gaming platforms. 

These changes reflect growing concerns about children’s online safety and are likely to influence conversations between separated parents about technology, digital boundaries and safeguarding. 

At Blanchards Family Law, we regularly advise parents on issues relating to child arrangements, parental responsibility and disputes involving children’s online activity. 

What Is a Child’s Digital Footprint? 

A digital footprint is the record of information a child leaves behind when using the internet. This includes both: 

Active digital footprint – content they deliberately share, such as posts, messages, videos or comments. 

Passive digital footprint – information collected about them through their online activity, including location data, browsing history and app usage. 

Examples include: 

• Social media accounts (where permitted)  

• Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Discord  

• Gaming profiles and in-game chat  

• Photos or videos shared by parents, schools or friends  

• Search history and browsing activity  

• Online purchases and subscriptions  

Even children who rarely post online may still have a significant digital footprint. 

Why Does a Child’s Digital Footprint Matter in Family Law? 

A child’s online activity can become relevant where parents disagree about issues affecting their welfare and upbringing. 

Child Arrangements 

When determining arrangements for where a child lives or spends time, parents may disagree about issues such as: 

• Whether a child is ready to have a smartphone or access online services.  

• Exposure to harmful or age-inappropriate online content.  

• Contact with strangers through gaming or messaging platforms.  

• The amount of time spent online compared with education, hobbies and family life.  

• Whether a child is complying with age restrictions on social media platforms.  

Although the Family Court will not make decisions based solely on digital behaviour, it may form part of the wider assessment of a child’s welfare. 

Parental Disagreements About Online Activity 

It is increasingly common for separated parents to have different views about technology. 

Disagreements may include: 

• When a child should be allowed a smartphone.  

• Whether they should be permitted to use social media.  

• Appropriate screen time limits.  

• Whether parental controls should be used.  

• Which games or apps are suitable for their age.  

The Government’s planned restrictions for under-16s may help establish clearer expectations around some aspects of children’s online access. However, parents will still need to agree how technology is managed within each household. 

Can a Child’s Online Activity Be Used in Court? 

Yes, where it is relevant. 

Social media posts, messages or other digital evidence may be considered by the Family Court if they relate to a child’s welfare or safety. 

Examples include: 

• Concerns about inappropriate online contact.  

• Evidence of harmful online behaviour.  

• Allegations that a parent is encouraging unsafe internet use.  

• Evidence of parental conflict involving the child online.  

• Issues affecting child arrangements.  

The court will always focus on what is in the child’s best interests rather than isolated examples of online activity. 

Should Parents Monitor Their Child’s Digital Footprint? 

There is no legal requirement for parents to routinely monitor every aspect of their child’s online activity. However, parents with parental responsibility are expected to take reasonable steps to safeguard their children. 

Depending on a child’s age and maturity, this may include: 

• Using parental controls and privacy settings.  

• Discussing online risks openly.  

• Reviewing app usage where appropriate.  

• Encouraging responsible online behaviour.  

• Setting clear boundaries around devices and screen time.  

• Ensuring children comply with age restrictions on digital services.  

As online safety laws evolve, parents should also remain aware of new rules affecting children’s access to social media and online platforms. 

Co-Parenting and Digital Consistency 

Following separation, consistency between households often provides children with greater stability. 

Different approaches to technology can become a source of conflict, particularly where one parent has stricter rules than the other. 

Where possible, parents should aim to agree: 

• when a child should have access to a smartphone;  

• what apps, games and online services are appropriate;  

• screen time expectations;  

• parental controls and privacy settings; and  

• how new legal and regulatory requirements, including age restrictions, will be followed.  

Presenting consistent boundaries across both households can help children understand expectations and reduce the likelihood of conflict between parents. 

Where agreement cannot be reached, mediation or legal advice may help resolve disputes constructively. 

Practical Steps for Parents 

Parents can take practical steps to help protect their child’s digital footprint: 

• Talk regularly about online safety.  

• Encourage children not to share personal information.  

• Use parental controls where appropriate.  

• Familiarise yourself with age restrictions on apps and online services.  

• Keep up to date with changes to online safety laws.  

• Agree household rules about devices and screen time.  

• Monitor changes in behaviour linked to online activity.  

• Maintain open communication with your co-parent wherever possible.  

How Blanchards Family Law Can Help 

Children’s online lives are becoming an increasingly important aspect of family law. 

As technology evolves and new online safety measures are introduced, parents may find themselves facing difficult decisions about digital boundaries, safeguarding and child arrangements. 

Whether you are concerned about your child’s online safety, disagree with your co-parent about technology use, or need advice about wider child arrangements, obtaining legal advice at an early stage can help prevent disputes from escalating. 

At Blanchards Family Law, we provide clear, practical advice to parents across England and Wales. With offices in Henley, Marlow, Beaconsfield and London, we help families resolve disputes while keeping children’s welfare at the heart of every decision. 

If you need advice about child arrangements, parental responsibility or concerns about your child’s digital safety, contact our experienced family law team today on 0333 344 6302. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a child’s digital footprint? 

A child’s digital footprint is the record of their online activity, including messaging, gaming, browsing history, online accounts and content shared by or about them. 

Will children under 16 still be able to use social media? 

The Government has announced plans to prohibit social media accounts for under-16s, with the changes expected to be implemented in Spring 2027. -The detail of how the new rules will operate will become clearer as the legislation and regulatory framework are finalised. 

Can a child’s online activity affect Family Court decisions? 

Potentially. If online behaviour is relevant to a child’s welfare, safety or living arrangements, the court may consider it as part of the overall evidence. 

Do both parents have the right to monitor a child’s online activity? 

Parents with parental responsibility are expected to take reasonable steps to safeguard their child. What is appropriate will depend on the child’s age, maturity and individual circumstances. 

What if separated parents disagree about children’s social media use or gaming? 

Parents should try to reach agreement through discussion or mediation. If agreement cannot be reached and the issue forms part of a wider dispute about the child’s welfare, the Family Court may determine the matter based on the child’s best interests. 

How can parents reduce online risks? 

Parents can help by setting clear boundaries, using parental controls, talking openly about online safety, staying informed about new online safety measures and encouraging responsible digital behaviour. 

How can we help?

Contact us today at 0333 344 6302 to arrange an initial meeting. Offices in Henley-On-Thames, Beaconsfield, Marlow and London.

About Blanchards Family Law

Blanchards Family Law is a specialist family law firm. We serve clients across London, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and the rest of the UK.

The firm advises on all aspects of family law, including;

• Divorce
• Financial settlements,
• Child arrangements
• Prenuptial agreements
• Cohabitation disputes
• International family law matters
• Mediation
• Trust and Inheritance
• Wills, Probate & Contentious Probate
• Pet Custody

Blanchards Law is consistently recognised as one of the UK’s leading family law firms. The firm is ranked in The Legal 500 and recognised by Chambers. They are a leading firm in Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2025, named among eprivateclient’s Top Family Law Firms. They are also featured in the Spear’s 500 directory for advising high-net-worth individuals. These independent rankings reflect the firm’s reputation for excellence, specialist expertise and exceptional client service.

For more information about Blanchards Law and its services, please contact: info@blanchardslaw.co.uk or call us today on 0333 344 6302

With offices in Beaconsfield, Henley-on-Thames, Marlow and London. The firm supports clients across the South East, Thames Valley and throughout the UK.