What you should know before posting back-to-school photos
Franklin Township police are urging parents to avoid posting personal information.
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About two weeks from now, there’s a good chance social media feeds will be flooded with photos of children wearing backpacks and holding “first day of school” signs. But police say what parents post can pose safety risks for children.
“As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s important to remember that our children are our most cherished treasures,” Franklin Township police said. “When using First Day of School signs as props for those cherished social media photos, please prioritize your child’s safety.”
Parents often give their children signs that list everything from their age and grade level to their school and teacher’s name. Police say including that much information can be dangerous.
Franklin Township police advise parents to avoid including personal information in photos, such as a child’s full name, school name, teacher’s name or other identifying details.
“If you’ve already prepared your signs in advance, consider capturing the moment as a keepsake and sharing it only with close family and friends,” police said. “Simplicity and caution can make these memories both safe and special.”
In a social media post, Franklin Township police depict an officer holding two signs: one with personal details and another that simply reads, “First Day of School.” Police say the simpler version is the better option because it “limits personal details that could potentially be used by predators.”
