Law Enforcement Warning Parents in Maine, New Hampshire, & Massachusetts About Back-to-School Photos

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 photos is that because most parents take these pics every year, they can reveal just how much our kids have changed 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 harm your children.

If your social media accounts are not private, it is possible for anyone to see those photos and the information provided on those chalkboards.  Someone can then 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 where 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, Massachusetts 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 you share of them on social media are private.

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