We all love to share photos of our kids online. They’re cute, they’re funny, and we want to show them off to the world. But there are some things you should keep in mind before posting those pictures, for the safety of your children.
First, think about where you’re posting the picture. Is it on a public site like Facebook or Instagram or a more private place like an iMessage? If it’s on a public site, anyone can see it – including people you don’t know, and not to mention that content will then be owned by Facebook. That means that strangers could potentially identify your child’s school, where they live, and other personal information just by looking at a photo.
Second, consider what’s in the background of the photo. If your child is wearing their school uniform, or if there are other identifying landmarks in the background, that information is now available to anyone who sees the photo.
Finally, think about the future. What might seem like an innocent photo today could be embarrassing or even harmful to your child when they’re older. So it’s important to only post pictures that you’re comfortable with the world seeing, even years down the road.
As kids start to head back to school, now is a great time to remind ourselves of these online best practices. So our kids can enjoy their childhood without worrying about their online presence.
By keeping these things in mind, you can help keep your children safe when sharing photos online.
By Sarah Norford-Jones, YEO Co-Founder and Children’s Online Safety Advocate