Posted: August 9, 2024, 1:29 p.m. CDT

from
WAKA Action 8 News

By JAMIE TUCKER, Consumer Technology Reporter

Back to school season is upon us and with it the annual tradition of parents posting pictures of their children’s first day of school on social media. However, concerns have been raised about the potential dangers of posting this information online. Are these concerns valid and should parents really be worried?

The Better Business Bureau and law enforcement agencies warn parents about the risks associated with posting back-to-school photos, noting that these photos could be used by criminals to target children. While that would make a good movie plot, in reality, posting these photos is generally harmless if done correctly.

The biggest concern is that a photo could reveal a child’s school, name, and grade, allowing a stranger to potentially identify and locate them. However, this threat is often exaggerated. To minimize any risk, it’s advisable not to include too much personal information in your posts.

For example, you may not want to reveal the name of your child’s school or grade level.

More importantly, consider who you allow to see these photos. When you post on platforms like Facebook, you can choose to share photos publicly or only with friends. For greater safety, it’s a good idea to only share photos of your child with friends. Check your friends list regularly and remove anyone you don’t know or trust. Also, check your followers list and block any suspicious accounts.

By following these simple steps, you can safely share back-to-school photos without compromising your child’s safety. However, there are other, more pressing issues parents should focus on.

Unsupervised smartphone use poses a significant risk to children. It’s important to monitor your child’s online activity and be aware of who they’re communicating with. Even if your child doesn’t have a smartphone, their friends may. Talk to the parents of your child’s friends to make sure they’re taking precautions, too.

Online gaming is another area where children can be at risk. Predators often pose as children to gain their trust. Supervise your child’s online gaming activities and educate them about the dangers of interacting with strangers online.

These are just a few of the many online threats parents should be aware of. While the risk of a back-to-school photo causing harm is relatively low, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers and take appropriate precautions.

Ultimately, the joy of sharing life’s big moments with friends and family shouldn’t be overshadowed by fear. By being aware of the risks and taking proactive steps to protect your children, you can continue to share these special moments without worry.