[Sigia-l] COPPA & getting parental consent

[Janna Hicks DeVylder]

Sorry for the cross-listing.

I'm currently working on a site that will connect students to online
educational products. Because of the nature of the products, we will be
collecting some personal information about the students from the
teachers...nothing excessive, but personally identifiable information
nonetheless.  Because of COPPA (The Children's Online Privacy Protection
Act), we need to obtain consent from parents of children under 13.

Obtaining parental consent can be expensive, time-consuming, and frustrating
for many involved (although I ultimately appreciate the merits of the act).
I'm wondering if any of you have come up with quick, clear ways to obtain
parental consent, other than using credit card information to verify adult
status. (How many of us would be willing to provide that information, even
if we are told, YOUR CREDIT CARD WILL NOT BE CHARGED.) We're currently
resigned to paper consents being either mailed or faxed in, but any
suggestions would be appreciated.

If you'd prefer, you can contact me off-list and I will summarize responses.

Thanks,
Janna Hicks DeVylder