Posting back-to-school photos to social media is a popular way to mark students’ return to the classroom, so how can parents make sure they’re sharing safely?
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is advising caregivers to be vigilant about what they post online and consider who might have access it.
According to the eSafety Commission, people outside a parent’s social circle can access public photos of children and use them for unintended purposes.
Some of those risks include identity theft, harassment and unwanted contact.
Commander Helen Schneider says predators can take advantage of even mundane photos. (ABC News: Chris Gillette)
AFP Commander Helen Schneider said mundane pictures can become abuse material.
“The AFP has seen non-explicit pictures of children and young people become the target of highly sexualised and inappropriate comments or role play,” she said.
“While these incidents are rare, the sad reality is they do happen.”
‘You put your child at risk’
Griffith University’s Associate Professor of Criminology Danielle Harris said the “pride and excitement” of sharing these pictures can often stop parents seeing the real dangers of social media.
“You put your child and yourself at risk,” she said.
“From my research, when a child is abused, they are most likely to be abused by somebody that they know.
“If you’re posting identifiable information to what you think is a circle of friends, you are widening that circle of trust.”
Getting consent before sharing
Although parents don’t legally have to ask for their children’s consent when posting a picture, experts recommend involving children in the decision-making.
eSafety said getting them to choose which images to share and who they would like to share them with can demonstrate “respectful” behaviour.
Danielle Harris says parents should consider not posting photos of their children at all. (ABC News: Tim Swanston)
Ms Harris suggested parents should wait until their child is at least 16 years old for them to consent.
“Once you posted the photo, it is really no longer in your control,” she said.
“I have done the same thing and posted pictures online, but I think you do the best that you can until you know better.”
Tips for keeping your child safe online
The AFP recommend a privacy checklist for parents and carers who are wary of exposing their children online.
“Small actions can mitigate big risks,” Commander Schneider said.
“Something as simple as blurring or obscuring the logo of your child’s school on their uniform or in the background of an image can help ensure they don’t become a target.”
The AFP says small steps can mitigate risk. (ABC News: Evelyn Manfield)
Other tips from the AFP include:
- Keep personal information including full name and age private
- Avoid posting photos in school uniforms all together
- Only share images of your children with known and trusted people
- Consider a closed group with approved members instead of posting on a public page
- Make sure you have strong privacy settings on social media accounts
Ms Harris thinks parents should avoid posting photos altogether.
“You either want to run that risk, or you don’t, so it would be best not to post that stuff publicly,” she said.
“Children’s details can be a form of currency online.
“So if you’re somebody who is second guessing having posted your children going back to school … it’s never too early and it’s never too late to take them down.”
