Back-to-School Photos May Put Children at Serious Risk Online
What seems like an innocent back-to-school snapshot could put children’s safety at serious risk, police and digital safety experts warn. Social media posts showing uniforms, school buildings, or identifiable locations can reveal private information that predators or cybercriminals could exploit, making it essential for parents to think twice before sharing.
As students return to classrooms, proud parents often share photos online to mark milestones. But experts caution that even casual posts can inadvertently expose children to danger. Images showing a child’s school uniform, the building, or geotags can provide clues to a child’s location, daily routines, and personal information.
Police in New Zealand, along with organizations like Netsafe and the Department of Internal Affairs, stress that these photos can compromise physical, digital, and emotional safety. Leanne Ross of Netsafe explains that knowing a child’s hobbies, clubs, or routines can allow strangers to manipulate or contact them online, bypassing natural caution.
Experts recommend several safety measures:
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Remove identifying details from photos, including logos, school names, and street signs.
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Use privacy settings carefully, such as Instagram Stories or restricted friend lists.
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Ask for children’s consent before posting images.
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Educate children about online safety, encouraging them to recognize and report suspicious messages.
Influencers and parents are increasingly adapting, sharing milestones privately or anonymizing images to protect children. Maria Foy, who runs a parenting blog, says she avoids showing school names or locations to safeguard her children.
This guidance highlights a broader responsibility: protecting children’s right to privacy and safety in a digital age. By taking proactive steps, parents can ensure that celebrations of school milestones don’t come at the expense of their children’s protection.
