Back to school social media safety
Posting your child’s photos on social media in uniform? Know why you should not.
The start of the school year is a busy time on social media for families, as we want to capture the magic of our kids on their first day, whether it’s Kindy, year 7, or any other year.
Advice from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) keeps us smart when sharing kids' photos on our social media.
Top tips for families
- Who can see your photos? Check your social media privacy settings. Limit the personal information being shared, especially if you are posting photos or videos of your child that contain identifying factors such as school uniforms.
- Hide identifying factors in photos. Blur or obscure any identifying factor such as school emblem on uniform, your child’s name and their school.
- What's in the background? Ensure the background of photos or videos doesn’t give away your address or location - avoid posting your location or ‘checking in’.
- Be selective. Only share images of your children with people you know in person and trust.
- Don't post without asking! You may have the best snap with your child and their friend but before you post it, make sure you have their parent or carer's permission.
How much information are your posts giving away?
Remember to HALT.
- Hide personal details. Consider if you’re posting personal information about yourself or others that could be misuse.
- Adjust your settings. Regularly review privacy and security setting – platforms often update them with minimal disclosure.
- Limit location sharing. Skip tagging where you are – geotags can reveal your routines and whereabouts.
- Trust only real connections. Only accept friend or connection requests from people you know. If you wouldn’t talk to them in person, should they have access to your life online?
Watch the videos below to learn how you can edit photos easily.