Smile or Acting Goofy
I just love to see the pictures of children heading to their first day back to school. The posed smiles with likely some challenges on some days of keeping still, shirt tucked in, holding the sign just right and knowing that there likely was some acting goofy and some crazy cheesy smiles in between.
The day filled with excitement and some nerves heading into the next class… and for parents, likely some of the same feelings plus some relief too 🙂 It’s amazing to see the growth that happens in a year when parents post comparison pictures, often in the same spot. 
What’s Written on the Signs
While I’m usually not one to focus on the negative thoughts, it’s important to be intentional and aware about those cute signs and what information you post when it comes to your children. Like many things, you hear the stories and think, surely it wouldn’t happen to me, and then it does. Or to someone close to you. Identity theft, non-custodial parent issues, stalking, all with information handed to them on a platter.
I believe that each parent needs to make the decision about what they post on the internet (and permit others to post) regarding their children, but I also believe that they need the information in order to best make that decision.
What is Posted on the Internet… Stays on the Internet and Other Tips
- What is posted on the internet, stays on the internet
It doesn’t matter if it’s a private account, information can get out easily to people you didn’t intend to see it. - Watch what is in the background of your photo. Is there a street sign? House number? School name or logo?
This can be information that you think you are not giving away, but prominent for a person that’s looking to do harm. - Privacy and geotagging automatically will add the location of where the photo is taken.
This can include when that photo is posted on Social Media. Review your settings on your phone and social media platforms.
But, I like those Signs
You know what? I do too. I even made the one in the picture for Grand7 (have you noticed that I do this? It’s intentional). Â But think about either omitting or blurring some information from the signs on pictures to post on Social Media or even use a different generic sign that says “First Day of PreK” for those you will post. You can text the picture of the cute signs to the grandparents directly.
Be safe… and enjoy this back-to-school season,
