My son is going back to school and I will be the first to admit that ONLY only of us will be crying. ME. I am so happy for him, sad for me. But let me get to the main reason I am writing this, as a proud mom I will be posting a cute photo of Jordan on his first day.. like many parents.

You know what I am talking about... like those cutesy photos on IG and FB with chalkboards and letter boards displaying our children's names, schools, and other identifying information.

These posts are fun and obviously well-intentioned and make great memories of back- to- school and first-day- of school— but posting them online has potential dangers that compromises kids safety, and privacy that many parents don't realize. People in general don't realize how much they overshare on social media, so here are some tips to keep in mind when posting:

The first day of school is an exciting time for parents and students alike. It’s a day filled with anticipation, new beginnings, and often, a photo op to capture the moment. But before you hit "post" on that adorable picture of your child standing in front of the school with a sign that lists their name, grade, and teacher, take a moment to consider the potential risks.

The Dangers of Sharing Personal Information

In the digital age, sharing moments of our lives on social media has become second nature. However, oversharing, especially when it comes to children’s personal information, can have unintended consequences. Here’s why you should think twice before posting certain details online:

1. Identity Theft: Posting your child’s full name, age, and school information makes it easier for someone to gather data that could be used in identity theft. Even something as simple as a name and birthdate can be the missing pieces needed to steal an identity.

2. Location Tracking: When you share photos with identifiable landmarks or geotags, you inadvertently share your child’s location. This information can be misused by individuals with malicious intent, leading to safety concerns.

3. Stranger Danger: Sharing personal information makes it easier for strangers to approach your child, pretending to know them. This increases the risk of your child being targeted by individuals with ill intentions.

4. Digital Footprint: Everything posted online leaves a digital footprint that can be challenging to erase. Your child’s personal information, once shared, could remain accessible long after the post has been deleted. This can have long-term implications as they grow older.

Tips for Safely Sharing Back-to-School Moments

While it’s natural to want to share your child’s first day of school with friends and family, there are ways to do so without compromising their safety. Here are some tips:

1. Avoid Specific Details: Refrain from sharing your child’s full name, age, school name, or grade level. Instead, share more general information or simply a picture without any identifying details.

2. Check Privacy Settings: Make sure your social media accounts are set to private so that only trusted friends and family can see your posts. Review your friends list regularly to ensure that only people you know have access to your content.

3. Be Mindful of Backgrounds: Pay attention to the background of your photos. Avoid including landmarks, school signs, or house numbers that could reveal your location.

4. Use Creative Captions: Instead of detailing your child’s school information in the caption, use more generic and creative captions. For example, "Excited for a new adventure!" is just as engaging without giving away personal information.

5. Consider a Delayed Post: Instead of posting in real-time, consider sharing the photos later in the day or even the next day. This adds an extra layer of security by not broadcasting your child’s exact whereabouts at that moment.

Educate Your Children About Online Safety

In addition to being mindful of what you share, it’s important to educate your children about online safety. Teach them about the importance of keeping personal information private and how to navigate social media responsibly as they get older. Encourage them to come to you with any concerns about their online interactions.

Final Thoughts

The first day of school is a special milestone, and it’s natural to want to share the joy with others. However, by being cautious and mindful about what you post, you can protect your child’s privacy and safety. Remember, once something is online, it’s there forever. Let’s make sure the memories we share are safe and secure for everyone involved.