Privacy Policy.
How we handle your data.

1. Who we are

Modern Parenting is a UK-based parenting website operated at modernparenting.co.uk. We publish buying guides, product reviews and evidence-based parenting information for families in the United Kingdom.

For the purposes of UK GDPR, Modern Parenting is the data controller for personal data collected through this website. If you have any questions about how we handle your data, please contact us at the address in section 10.

2. What data we collect and why

Data you give us directly

We do not currently operate user accounts, membership schemes or paid subscriptions. If you contact us by email, we will hold your email address and the content of your message in order to respond to your enquiry. This data is processed on the basis of legitimate interests (responding to your communication).

If we introduce a newsletter or email list in future, we will obtain your explicit consent before adding you to any mailing list and will update this policy accordingly.

Data collected automatically

When you visit this website, certain data is collected automatically by the technologies we use. This includes:

• Your IP address (anonymised before storage where possible)
• Browser type and version
• Device type and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• Referring website (where you came from)
• Date and time of your visit

This data is collected via Google Analytics and is used to understand how visitors use our site so we can improve it. It is processed on the basis of your consent, which you give or withhold via our cookie banner.

Legal bases for processing

3. Cookies and tracking technologies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. We use cookies for analytics and to make the site function correctly. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time using our cookie consent tool — click “View preferences” in the banner at the bottom of any page.

Strictly necessary cookies

These cookies are required for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They include cookies that manage your cookie consent preferences (set by Complianz) and basic session cookies. No personal data is stored beyond what is technically necessary.

Analytics cookies

We use Google Analytics (via MonsterInsights) to understand how visitors find and use our site. This helps us improve content and user experience. Google Analytics collects anonymised data about your visit including pages viewed, time on site and referral source. This data is processed only if you consent via our cookie banner.

You can also opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites by installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.

Marketing and preference cookies

If you interact with affiliate links on our site, retailers may set cookies to track that referral. These cookies are only placed if you consent. See section 4 for more on affiliate links.

Cookie retention periods

4. Affiliate links

Modern Parenting participates in affiliate marketing programmes. This means that some links on our site are affiliate links — if you click one and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Affiliate programmes we participate in include Amazon Associates and other retailer programmes. When you click an affiliate link, the retailer may set a cookie to track the referral. This cookie is only placed with your consent.

5. Third parties we share data with

We do not sell your personal data to third parties. We share data with the following categories of third-party service providers, all of whom are bound by appropriate data processing agreements:

When data is transferred outside the UK, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or UK Adequacy decisions.

6. How long we keep your data

We retain data only for as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy:

• Enquiry emails: retained for up to 2 years, then deleted
• Analytics data: retained for up to 26 months in Google Analytics, then automatically deleted
• Cookie consent records: retained for 12 months, then reset
• Server logs: retained for up to 90 days for security purposes

7. Your rights under UK GDPR

As a UK resident, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

Right to access

You can request a copy of any personal data we hold about you. We will respond within one month.

Right to rectification

You can ask us to correct any inaccurate or incomplete data we hold about you.

Right to erasure

You can ask us to delete your personal data. We will comply unless we have a legal obligation to retain it.

Right to restrict processing

You can ask us to pause processing your data in certain circumstances.

Right to data portability

Where data is processed by automated means on the basis of consent, you can ask us to provide it in a portable format.

Right to object

You can object to processing based on legitimate interests. We will stop processing unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds that override your interests.

Right to withdraw consent

Where processing is based on consent, you can withdraw it at any time. This does not affect the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal. You can manage cookie consent via our cookie banner at any time.

Right to complain

If you are unhappy with how we have handled your data, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or by calling 0303 123 1113.

To exercise any of your rights, please contact us using the details in section 10. We will respond within one month of receiving your request.

8. Children’s privacy

Modern Parenting is a website for parents, not a website for children. Our content is directed at adults aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under the age of 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

9. Changes to this policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. Continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy in relation to data collected after that date.

10. Contact us