Like so many working parents, the last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of back-to-school preparations.
From picking up book and stationery orders to getting new uniforms and shoes (seriously, how fast do kids grow?), new haircuts and managing all the emotions (mostly mine, not hers) — it’s been a busy time.
One thing we always look forward to? The first-day photo. That moment when everything is clean, hopeful and full of promise (again, us, not her).
But while back-to-school photos fill our feeds with joy, they also come with risks, and communicators and parents alike need to be mindful.
Especially with advancing technologies like deepfakes. Please have conversations about how we can protect children when sharing these images online.
Here are a few practical steps to consider:
Watermark Photos
- Add a subtle watermark, such as your child’s first name or initials, positioned to prevent cropping.
- Use free apps or tools to apply watermarks to your photos easily.
- Consider including unique identifiers like dates or phrases (e.g “Family Only”) to deter unauthorised reuse.
Check your Settings
- Think about who you want to see your socials- ours are set to private so only friends and family can see.
- Check tagging settings to prevent others from tagging your child in photos without your approval.
- Use strong passwords, avoid repeating passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
Share Thoughtfully
- Cover identifiable details like school names and uniforms and remove specific location data.
- Use editing tools to blur backgrounds that reveal personal information (e.g house numbers, license plates).
- Delay sharing until after events to prevent real-time tracking.
Lastly, as your child grows, teach them about online privacy and the careful use of social media sharing.
We’re constantly getting pressure about wanting a phone. In our house, we call phones and iPads adult devices and equate them with driving a car. In other words, she is not big enough yet! These chats help.
How are you managing back-to-school? Would love to hear your thoughts.