HOUSTON – Camera-equipped smart glasses can look like ordinary eyewear, making it difficult to tell when someone may be recording. As the technology becomes more common, child safety experts are urging parents to talk with their children about privacy, personal safety and what to do if they suspect they are being recorded.The concern is that footage captured in everyday settings, including parks, playgrounds and school events, could be misused without a child’s knowledge or a parent’s consent.“What worries me most is those images will be used for the wrong reason,” said Kerry McCracken, Executive Director of The Children’s Assessment Center. McCracken warned that even innocent images of children playing could potentially be manipulated or exploited.A photo or video taken at a playground or school sporting event, for example, could be altered to depict a child in inappropriate or fabricated situations.Texas continues to face child exploitation threatsConcerns over smart glasses come as law enforcement agencies in Texas continue to address reports of child exploitation online.According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Texas law enforcement received more than 234,000 CyberTipline referrals in 2025, including more than 65,000 related to child sexual abuse material.The figures are not specific to smart glasses, but they underscore the broader challenges authorities face in combating child exploitation.McCracken said advances in wearable technology could make it increasingly difficult for parents and children to recognize when a camera is being used to record them.Smart glasses raise privacy and legal questionsThe growing use of camera-equipped eyewear has prompted privacy concerns beyond Texas. Norway has considered restrictions on camera-equipped smart glasses in certain public settings, including schools and daycares.In Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into Meta’s smart glasses over privacy concerns.Secret recording is not automatically illegal in Texas. However, state law prohibits certain invasive recordings, depending on the circumstances.Parents who suspect someone has recorded their child inappropriately should consider the circumstances and contact law enforcement for guidance.What parents can do to help protect their childrenChild safety experts say parents can take several steps to help children recognize potential privacy risks without making them fearful of everyday situations.1. Talk about hidden camerasExplain that some cameras can be difficult to spot, including those built into ordinary-looking glasses. Encourage children to trust their instincts if a situation makes them uncomfortable.2. Teach children how to get to safetyIf a child suspects someone is recording them in a way that feels inappropriate, encourage them to walk away, find a trusted adult and tell their parents. Children should not be expected to confront the person themselves.3. Report suspected incidentsIf parents believe their child has been targeted, they should contact law enforcement. If there is immediate danger, call 911.McCracken said the goal is not to frighten children, but to make sure they understand that they can turn to a parent or trusted adult whenever something feels wrong.Parents can help by keeping conversations about privacy open and reassuring children they will not get in trouble for speaking up about a concerning encounter.As smart glasses and other wearable cameras become harder to distinguish from everyday items, experts say teaching children about personal safety and encouraging them to report uncomfortable situations may become increasingly important.Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.
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