Protecting Privacy: Kirksville Police Urge Caution with Back-to-School Social Media Posts

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KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — As the new school year begins, Kirksville police are sounding a crucial warning for parents: exercise caution when sharing information about your children on social media.

With the 2024-25 academic year underway, School Resource Officer Rich Harden has highlighted a pressing concern. In a recent Facebook post, Harden illustrated the risks of oversharing through side-by-side comparisons. One image depicted the perils of revealing too much—full names, grades, teacher identities, and school names—while the other showed a more secure approach with minimal, non-specific details.

The police department's message is clear: while it’s natural to celebrate your child’s milestones and achievements, excessive details can inadvertently expose them to potential dangers. Criminals and other malicious actors can exploit this information, jeopardizing your child’s safety.

To safeguard your child’s privacy, Kirksville police recommend sharing only general information that doesn’t compromise your child’s identity or location. By keeping social media posts simple and vague about personal details, parents can enjoy the benefits of digital connectivity while ensuring their children’s safety.