It’s Time To Reconsider Posting The Back To School Photo

Take the first day photo, just don't share it with strangers.

First-day photos are milestone moments that many parents relish sharing. We can’t believe that time has gone this fast. We are so proud of what they are accomplishing, and also grieving that they are growing up.

Like other parents, I’m very proud of my children. I love taking these special photos.

Here’s the thing though- our kids don’t belong on social media. 

They haven’t asked for it.

They don’t want to grow up and realise that they’ve been plastered online.

Not to mention, when we put photos of our children online in their school uniforms, even with the logos scribbled out, the colour can easily be linked to a local school. This is something many of us have never considered.

Our local and Federal Police often remind the public of the cyber security risk of posting photos online. They warn parents against putting photos of children in uniform on social media.

Take the photos, put them in your family chat, send them to your friends. If you have a small friend list of only people you know, posting to socials might be okay, but I think it’s better to be on the safe side.

Just don’t put them online for the world to see. If you have a public account, don’t go posting first-day photos of your children. That goes for any photos really. You just don’t know what type of person will view them, save them or share them. What their motive is. Whether they are building a web of information on your family about where you live, where you go to school, where you go on holiday and when your house is empty.

Photos contain a bunch of information and this can be shared, unless you have changed this in settings. This can mean that posting a simple photo online can provide a stranger with your location and more without even realising it.

Take the photos but don't post them online.

In addition to being a safety issue, think about what your child will think of when they grow up and learn of what you’ve shared online. The baby photos, the toddler tantrums, the preschooler meltdowns and the embarrassing photos. They didn’t give permission for you to share these with your world.

Out of respect for your child and their future, consider whether it is fair to keep these online. A simple change in privacy settings from public or friends to private can mean these memories are kept, but away from public view instead.

I know for me, I would have been mortified if my mother had publicly shared pictures of me as a child and awkward teen. It’s bad enough seeing them in a family photo album. Our children are growing up in a different world from what we did. It is important that we consider the impact of our use of social media on them.

Here’s a short poem I wrote to help parents reflect.

At this time of year

parents like to share,

first day photos,

but please be aware…

Even if school logos 

are carefully erased,

the uniform colours

can be easily traced.

So take the pictures 

to save the memory,

just avoid posting

for your child’s privacy.

Melanie Wegener

Thoughts? I’d love to hear in the comments below or connect with you over on Instagram or Facebook. Come and say hi!

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