Don’t Share Those Back to School Photos Until You Read This

It’s that time of year again.  Social media feeds are filled with proud mums and dads sharing images of their children in their new school uniforms on their First Day or First Day Back.

While social media is a way to keep close family and friends updated on your children's milestones—especially if they live far away—it's crucial to remember that social media profiles aren't just limited to those we know and trust.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when sharing back-to-school photos, or any other pictures of your children, on social media as precautionary measures:

#1  Sharing Back-to-School Photos Can Reveal Personal Information

Consider this: when you post a back-to-school picture, you might be revealing more than you intend, such as:

·        Your child's age, appearance and other personal information

·        Where you live or personal details about your home

·        The school your child attends

If you haven't disabled location settings, you might unintentionally share your home address or the exact location where the photo was taken. Images contain visual information that can be directly seen, but they also include metadata—hidden data that can reveal GPS coordinates or other details about where and when the photo was taken.

#2 Innocent Photos Can Become Data for Malicious Purposes

In the age of Ai (artificial intelligence), even innocent photos can be exploited. Ai technology is already being used to create and share child sexual abuse material.  The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has identified a significant and growing threat where AI technology is being exploited to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM). In their July 2024 report they found that ‘AI-generated child sexual abuse videos, primarily deepfakes, have started circulating, highlighting rapid technological advancements in AI models/generators. Increasingly, deepfake videos shared in dark web forums take adult pornographic videos and add a child or adult’s face using AI tools. Images and videos are then shared and increasingly used to financially exploit young people.

#3 Risks of Identity Theft and Cybercrime

Personal data exposed through social media can be a gateway for identity theft and other cybercrimes. Cybercriminals can use details from photos—such as your child's name, age, or school—to gain access to sensitive information. This can lead to a range of damaging consequences, from hacked accounts to financial fraud or exploitation.

#4 Increase in Cybercrime

The implications of sharing personal data online extend beyond financial theft. Cybercriminals can use data they obtain to damage credit scores, engage in voice phishing scams via popular messaging apps, mimicking loved ones voices and even use information to manipulate or scam family members. This has now moved up a level where a video can even be sent with your loved ones face using deep fake technology asking desperately for money to be sent. In fact online fraud, hacking, exploitation and scams are operated on an industrial scale and are amongst the Top 3 rising crimes, as they are amongst the top rated profit making activities.

5. Emotional Toll and Social Consequences

Beyond financial and security risks, there's the emotional toll and social impact. Online bullying and public humiliation are real dangers, especially as children grow older and become more active online. Once images or videos are shared, they can be used to target, bully or exploit children and teenagers, leading to emotional distress, isolation and perhaps even self harm. 

6. Consent and Your Child's Digital Footprint

As children grow up, they develop a digital footprint—often shaped initially by their parents. Children can't fully grasp the concept of consent or the long-term implications of their images being shared online. As parents, it's important to consider whether your child would want these images online when they get older. They might not appreciate what they see as embarrassing childhood photos -  being accessible to peers or strangers.

7. Set a Positive Example for Your Children

Children learn by example. As parents, we need to demonstrate responsible behaviour with technology. Try to keep texting, checking and scrolling to a minimum at family times, balancing your screen time with device-free moments. Social media can tempt us into comparing our lives with others, but it's essential to remember that we're not missing out. Our kids notice how much time we spend on phones and they’ll follow suit. 

Finally, keep in mind that we are the first generation of parents raising children in the digital age. So we’re going to make mistakes. But the standards we set now will shape how our kids and future generations interact with technology. Let's strive to raise well-balanced kids who understand the importance of privacy, consent and time away from tech as they grow up in an increasingly connected world.

While there is plenty of talk about ‘responsible Ai’, ‘safety by design’ and protecting children and young people in the news, it’s increasingly apparent that talk is cheap and profit is winning out in the online world – so equipping families with the knowledge, skills and tools to protect themselves is essential.   

Keeping you in the digital loop

Wayne