COPPA for students with disabilities

Parents & guardians · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What is COPPA and how does it protect students with disabilities?

COPPA is a federal law that aims to safeguard children under the age of 13 from having their personal information collected online without parental permission. This protection applies to websites, apps, and other online services that are directed toward children or that knowingly collect information from children under 13. For students with disabilities, COPPA is particularly important because they often rely on specialized educational technology, apps, or websites tailored to their learning needs. These tools may collect sensitive personal information like names, birthdates, learning profiles, or health-related data. COPPA requires companies to get verifiable parental consent before collecting or using this data, ensuring parents or guardians have a say in what information is gathered. The law also requires clear privacy policies and limits on data sharing, preventing misuse or unauthorized advertising targeting children.

COPPA’s protections give families a layer of security by controlling the flow of their child’s personal information online. For example, if a speech therapy app needs to collect a child’s audio recordings or developmental history, COPPA ensures the app provider must first get parental approval and explain how the data will be used and protected. This legal framework helps parents and guardians feel confident that their child’s privacy rights are respected even when using technology to support their education or development.

How does COPPA work in practice for students with disabilities? A hypothetical example

To understand COPPA in action, consider a student named Mia, age 10, who uses an online math tutoring program developed for children with learning disabilities. When Mia’s parents help her register, the program requests personal information—her full name, age, school grade, and a profile of her learning challenges. Because Mia is under 13, the program must obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting this information.

Here’s how this might work step-by-step:

1. The tutoring company provides a clear, easy-to-read privacy policy explaining what data they collect, why, and how it will be used.
2. Mia’s parents receive a consent form via email or an in-app prompt asking them to approve data collection and use.
3. The parents follow instructions to verify their identity—this could be by signing and returning a physical form, submitting a credit card number for verification (with no charge), or using an electronic signature service.
4. Only once consent is verified does the tutoring company allow Mia to use the app and collect her personal data.
5. The company commits not to share Mia’s data with advertisers or third parties without additional parental approval.
6. If Mia’s parents decide to revoke consent later, they can request the company delete her data or stop using her information.

This example shows how COPPA involves parents directly in decisions about their child’s online privacy. For students with disabilities, these steps help ensure that necessary data for personalized learning is handled responsibly and that families understand exactly what information is involved.

Why does COPPA matter particularly for parents and guardians of students with disabilities?

Parents and guardians of students with disabilities often seek specialized online tools—like speech therapy apps, social skills games, or sensory-friendly educational websites—to support their child’s growth. COPPA matters because it creates legally binding rules that protect sensitive information these tools might collect. Many students with disabilities may not fully comprehend data privacy or the risks of sharing personal information online, which makes the law’s parental consent requirement a crucial safeguard.

Additionally, COPPA helps parents remain actively involved in their child’s online experience. It requires companies to communicate clearly about data practices, giving parents a chance to review and approve before the child’s data is used. Since students with disabilities may use multiple apps or services, parents can track and control their child’s data footprint.

Beyond privacy, COPPA also helps prevent children from being targeted by online advertising or marketing designed to exploit vulnerabilities. For example, an educational app might be free to use but supported by ads that track user data. COPPA limits these practices for children under 13, ensuring safer digital spaces.

This law also encourages schools to choose technology providers who respect privacy laws. Parents can discuss with educators about COPPA compliance and advocate for safer, more transparent digital learning environments. Knowing about COPPA empowers parents to protect their child’s rights and make informed decisions about educational technology.

What are some common terms related to COPPA, and how do they differ?

Parents often hear several laws or terms related to children’s privacy and rights and may confuse them with COPPA. Understanding these distinctions is important for knowing where COPPA fits:

For parents, knowing that COPPA specifically addresses online data privacy for young children helps separate it from these other protections. For example, if a school is using an online tool, FERPA may protect academic records, while COPPA governs the app’s collection of personal data online. This distinction guides parents on who to contact or what policies to review if privacy concerns arise.

How does COPPA apply to students using technology at school?

Many schools incorporate digital tools into classrooms, especially for students with disabilities who may benefit from adaptive technologies or tailored learning programs. COPPA applies to these situations when a website or app is directed to children under 13 or knowingly collects personal information from them.

However, the relationship between schools, parents, and technology providers can be complex. Schools may act as the “parent” under COPPA by providing consent for educational use, especially if the software is used exclusively in the classroom. This means the software company does not need separate parental consent if the school has agreed to the terms and protects the data appropriately.

Parents should:

• Ask their child’s school which online tools are used and whether the school has obtained parental consent or acts as an agent.
• Request copies of the privacy policies for these tools to understand what data is collected and how it is protected.
• Inquire about the school’s procedures for data security and parental notification.
• Report any concerns about data use or consent violations to school officials.

By staying informed, parents can ensure their child’s digital learning environment complies with COPPA and respects privacy rights, especially for students with disabilities who may rely heavily on such technology.

What practical steps can parents take to protect their child’s online privacy under COPPA?

Parents can actively protect their child’s privacy by following these clear steps:

1. Read privacy policies carefully: Before allowing your child to use an app or website, review the privacy policy for COPPA compliance language, including how data is collected, used, and shared.
2. Provide consent only to trustworthy platforms: Use apps from reputable companies that clearly explain COPPA procedures and do not share data with advertisers.
3. Ask schools for information: Request details about any online tools your child uses at school and how parental consent was handled.
4. Monitor app permissions: Check the permissions apps request on your child’s device and disable those that seem unnecessary or invasive.
5. Teach your child about privacy: Help your child understand why they should not share personal info online without parental approval.
6. Revoke consent if needed: If you suspect a platform is not following COPPA, you can withdraw consent and ask the company to delete your child’s information.
7. Report violations: File complaints with the Federal Trade Commission if you believe a company is violating COPPA.

For example, if your 8-year-old uses a reading app, ask the company to show you the consent process, confirm no unnecessary data is collected, and check whether the app’s privacy policy states they do not sell or share data with third parties.

Where can parents find support and resources about COPPA and disabilities?

Parents seeking further help can turn to trusted organizations and resources:

• The Federal Trade Commission has a dedicated COPPA page with official guidelines and complaint options.
• Disability advocacy groups often provide resources on digital rights and privacy tailored to students with disabilities.
• Local legal aid organizations or disability rights attorneys can offer advice if you suspect violations or need help understanding rights (see advice on finding a lawyer).
• School special education coordinators or counselors can explain how schools comply with COPPA and protect student data.
• Educational websites offer guides and lesson plans to teach children about online privacy safely (COPPA lesson plans).

Connecting with these resources helps parents navigate privacy questions and supports informed decisions about their child’s use of technology.

Frequently asked questions

Can a child with a disability over 13 still be protected by COPPA?

COPPA only applies to children under 13. However, other privacy laws or school policies may offer some protections for older students with disabilities. Parents should check local laws and school rules for additional privacy safeguards.

How can schools legally give consent for apps under COPPA?

Schools can act as parents’ agents and provide consent for educational technology use if they comply with COPPA and clearly inform parents about data collection and use.

What should parents look for in an app’s privacy policy to confirm COPPA compliance?

Look for statements about parental consent, data collection limits, no sharing with advertisers without permission, and clear instructions on how to withdraw consent and delete data.

What happens if an app violates COPPA?

The FTC can investigate and impose fines or require companies to change practices. Parents can file complaints to trigger enforcement actions.

Are there exceptions to COPPA for assistive technology used in schools?

No. Assistive technologies used by children under 13 must comply with COPPA. Schools and providers must ensure parental consent and data protections are in place.

How can parents teach children with disabilities about online privacy?

Use simple language and real examples, like “Don’t share your name or address online without asking me,” and practice together on safe websites or apps that respect privacy rules.