Iowa Parents – Think Twice Before Posting Your Kids’ Back-to-School Photos

Very soon, kids across our neighborhoods will scramble out of bed, bleary-eyed but excited, well some of them. Others will be bleary-eyed and complain about getting up and how going to bed earlier wouldn’t help.  Or, maybe that’s just me this morning. Backpacks will be filled with new supplies, breakfasts gulped down between last-minute shoe tying and tooth brushing, and jackets will be zipped up against the morning chill. Who are we kidding, jackets are zipped if you’re lucky.  It’s not all that far away,

For Cedar Rapids Schools, classes resume on August 23rd, with surrounding schools following suit around the same time.

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Amidst this flurry of activity, smartphones will be ready to capture those classic first-day-of-school moments—smiles, excitement, maybe a cute sign or board in hand. It’s all in good fun for proud parents and friends. However, there’s a darker side: scammers, predators, and other unscrupulous individuals who can misuse this personal information, putting your family’s safety or finances at risk.

Be Careful What You Post on the First Day of School

Many of us have come across parents sharing pictures of their children holding back-to-school signs adorned with fun facts. A quick glance at Facebook reveals numerous such posts, often unwittingly divulging extensive details about the child, their teacher, school, and even nearby locations. This abundance of information can potentially be exploited by individuals with malicious intent.

Law enforcement advises that if parents choose to use these boards or posters, less is more when it comes to sharing online. Prioritizing children’s privacy and safety in today’s digital landscape is crucial, as oversharing can inadvertently expose them to risks.