It's back to school time, and this usually means back to school photos.

The start of the school year is often memorable, and many people like to mark the occasion by sharing images of their children on social media in school uniform and in front of either their home or school.

Unfortunately, sometimes these images unintentionally share more than just a picture of a happy child – they can share personal details that might put information about you and your family in the wrong hands.

While Police understand the importance of these milestones, parents and caregivers should remain cautious about the information that images posted on social media present and who can gain access to them.

While it’s rare for NZ Police to receive reports about children being located through information shared online in photos or videos, we know from our international counterparts that it does happen.

𝗔 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮

• Check there are no identifying features such as school uniforms and logos, school buildings or signs, and street signs. This applies if you are taking photos at home as well. If this is unavoidable, parents can edit and blur school logos and signs.
• Research and understand app settings, including privacy settings. Turning off location settings or setting profiles to private/friends only.
• Keeping your child’s personal information - including full name and age and what year they’re starting - private.
• Report any inappropriate or suspicious behaviour online.
• Be proactive with online safety to keep your child and their information safe as they head into a new school year.

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Resource by our friends at Australian Federal Police | ThinkUKnow Australia