INDIANA – As the new school year approaches and parents prepare for the traditional “first day of school” photos, law enforcement agencies across the country, including those in Indiana, are issuing an urgent warning: Be mindful of the personal information displayed on popular back-to-school signs.
These seemingly innocent photos, often shared widely on social media, frequently feature signs detailing various facts about the child’s upcoming school year. However, experts caution that this readily available information could pose a significant risk if it falls into the wrong hands.
Parents are strongly advised not to share photos that include the following details:
- School name: This can identify the child’s location.
- Age: While seemingly harmless, combined with other information, it can be used for targeting.
- Teacher’s name and grade: This provides direct access points to a child’s daily routine.
- Identifying features (such as height, weight, etc.): These specifics can help identify a child in person.
- Overly personal information: This includes details that could be used to create passwords, answer security questions, or access other sensitive personal data.
While the intention behind these photos is often innocent and a source of pride for parents, the collective data on these signs can be pieced together by predators, scammers, or other malicious actors, potentially putting children in danger.
Law enforcement agencies are emphasizing that the goal is not to discourage parents from celebrating this milestone, but rather to promote caution. Parents are encouraged to take still and share these cherished photos, but to omit specific answers on the board or to blur out sensitive information before posting them online.
Being vigilant about the information shared online is a simple yet crucial step in ensuring children’s safety as they head back to school.
