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The Savvy Mom’s Guide to Online Safety: 4 Things You Should Never Post About Your Kids

In today's digital landscape, parents sharing information about their children on social media can inadvertently expose their little ones to potential dangers. To safeguard against these risks, there are four critical considerations for parents to keep in mind.

Administrator

5 August, 2024

It’s natural for parents to want to capture and share memorable moments from their children’s journeys through life. However, if not done carefully, this can present opportunities for ill-intentioned individuals. With the rise of social media, mothers especially need to be cautious about what they post online.

Avoid Boasting About Wealth

While it’s normal to have close relationships with those around us, parents should be cautious about sharing financial information. Boasting about wealth on social media is a definite no-no, especially when it comes to personal assets and success.

Take the example of Ms. Li from Jiangsu Province, China. She frequently posted about her luxury items, expensive car, and her daughter’s prestigious school. Unbeknownst to her, one of her friends, Mr. Hu, was in debt. Seeing Ms. Li’s displays of wealth, he targeted her daughter for kidnapping and ransom. This unfortunate incident stemmed from information that was shared too freely.

In life, we may encounter difficult situations that tempt us to take risky actions for quick financial gain. A wise mother will always keep information about family wealth and income private, thus protecting her children and family from unnecessary risks.

Be Cautious When Posting Photos with Your Child’s Name

In China, a show called “Who’s the Survivor?” recreates dangerous situations to raise community awareness. In one episode, a mother who frequently shared photos of her daughter on social media became the center of a dangerous scenario.

As arranged by the show’s organizers, the mother took her daughter out to a restaurant for a meal. While taking selfies and sharing the moment online, she casually called out her daughter’s name. Later, when she had to step out, she instructed her daughter to stay put and wait for her return.

Seizing the opportunity, a man sitting nearby approached the little girl, calling her by name. He then asked for her mother’s name, “Chen Hua,” and upon receiving confirmation, he pulled out the selfie the girl had posted to prove he was her “classmate.” He then deceived her into leaving with him without any hesitation on her part.

Although this was a simulated scenario, the mother watching from a distance was terrified. Nowadays, scammers’ tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated. One might wonder how he knew about the selfie and the girl’s information.

In reality, this could happen if a mother allows strangers access to her friend list on social media, making it easy for scammers to target their victims.

Therefore, to ensure your child’s safety, think twice before posting information or photos with your child’s name and image on social media.

Exercise Caution When Posting Photos with Your Child’s Name and Image

Don’t Share Your Child’s Personal Information

Consider the story of a grandmother who regularly took her granddaughter to a dance square. While the grandmother danced, the little girl played by herself.

On one occasion, as the grandmother was engrossed in the music, a strange woman approached the child and struck up a conversation. Interestingly, this woman knew the child’s name. Initially, the girl was cautious and didn’t respond. The woman then claimed that the child’s mother was waiting nearby and asked the girl to lead her there.

Fortunately, one of the grandmother’s dance partners arrived just in time, causing the strange woman to panic and flee. Later, with the help of the police, they discovered her identity and, indeed, she had ill intentions toward the child.

The reason the woman knew the child’s name was that someone had shared information about the pair’s regular visits to the dance square on social media. This presented an opportunity for someone with malicious intent.

Therefore, parents should be cautious about sharing information regarding their children’s routines, play areas, and activities on social media to minimize potential threats.

Be Cautious About Sharing Your Child’s Routine, Play Areas, and Activities

Your Child’s Privacy Matters Too

Even young children have a right to privacy and a sense of shame. In many situations, there are things they want to keep to themselves, whether uncomfortable moments or secrets. Parents should refrain from turning these secrets into gossip with others.

Many parents are unaware of the importance of privacy for their children. When they inadvertently share what their children want to keep hidden, they not only embarrass their children but also negatively impact their relationship, leading to conflict and tension.

In today’s information age, any personal information shared online can potentially be risky, especially for children. Parents must exercise extreme caution and respect their children’s privacy.

Frequently asked questions

In the digital age, it’s crucial for parents to maintain a level of caution when sharing information about their children online. This is because predators and scammers can use details from your posts to gain access to your personal life and, ultimately, your children. By being mindful of what you post, you can help protect your family’s privacy and safety.

Firstly, never post your child’s full name online. Nicknames are a safer alternative. Secondly, be cautious about sharing your child’s location, especially in real-time. This includes checking in at specific locations or posting photos with geotags that reveal your exact whereabouts. Thirdly, avoid posting identifiable information such as your child’s school name, sports team, or extracurricular activities that could make it easy for someone to locate them. Lastly, be mindful of the details you share about your child’s daily routine, such as their after-school schedule or vacation plans.

There are a few simple steps to follow. Firstly, enable privacy settings on all your social media accounts to limit the audience of your posts. Consider using a pseudonym or nickname for yourself and your children when setting up profiles. Secondly, avoid oversharing. You don’t need to document every moment of your child’s life. Be selective about the photos and updates you share. Lastly, always ask for consent before posting photos or stories that involve other people’s children.

Red flags include sharing excessive details about your child’s daily life, including their full name, age, birthdate, and location. Another warning sign is when a parent posts identifiable information about their child’s school or extracurricular activities. Additionally, be cautious if you’re frequently checking in at specific locations or tagging your exact coordinates. It’s also a red flag if you’re sharing personal details about your child that could be potentially embarrassing or harmful to them in the future.

Parents can start by learning about privacy settings and enabling them on all their devices and accounts. It’s also important to have open conversations with your children about the potential risks of sharing personal information online. Teach them about digital footprints and how once something is posted online, it’s often there forever. Encourage your children to come to you if they feel uncomfortable about anything they see or experience online.