Maine: Here’s Why It Is So Dangerous To Post Back To School Pics

With the kids going back to school this week, there is a good chance that your social media feed is filled with pictures of kids and teens on their first day of school.  One of the great things about these pics is that, because most parents take the pics every year, they can show us just how much our kids change over the years.

However, it is important to remember that these photos can be dangerous if they include one of those back to school chalkboards.

First Day & Last Day Of School Signs

There is a good chance you have seen these, even if you don't think you have.  They are small chalkboard tablets that a child or teen holds in their photos.  Depending on which one you get, they include various pieces of personal information.  Name, age, teacher's name, what they want be when they grow up, etc.

You can get them from Amazon and various other retailers.

Why Are Photos That Include These Chalkboards So Dangerous?

Sadly, there are some truly evil people in this world.  People who would love to do harm to your children.

If your social media accounts are not private, it is possible for basically anyone to see those photos and the information provided on those chalkboards.  It is then possible for a person to use that information to track and interact with your children.

If you live in a fair small town, it would not be hard to find which school Mrs. Smith teaches first grade.  And, since they know what your kid looks like, they can use the other information to interact with the child.

Scary, eh?

How Do You Protect Your Kids?

For the last few years, police departments have been warning us about the dangers of these photos.

The Springfield, MA police had a few suggestions of how you can limit the dangers of using these chalkboards.  Basically, they suggest using more generic information.  Instead of writing that the kid loves their mom and sisters Katie and Amy, have them write that they love their family.

Of course, one of the biggest ways you can protect your kids is to make sure that any photos of them you post on social media are private.

As the kids go back to school, we hope everyone has a great school year!