EPD warns parents about sharing too much info in Back-to-School photos

ELMIRA, N.Y. ( WETM ) – As the beginning of the school year rolls in, the Elmira Police Department is warning parents about the dangers of sharing too much information in their child’s first day of school photos.

One of the most popular trends over the last few years when it comes to sharing Back-to-School photos online is the classic whiteboard photos. This photo trend includes filling out a whiteboard full of personal information about your child, such as their name, age, teacher and grade level, and having them pose in a photo with the board before school.

While this trend may seem harmless, these photos could pose a risk to your child’s safety if they include a bit too much information.

To help parents navigate a safe way to approach this trend, EPD has provided examples of what information to include and what information not to include when choosing to participate this school year, which can be found below.

What information is less safe to include?

As pictured above, Officer Lawson includes a lot of personal information about herself including her name, teacher, grade, favorite color, favorite subject and favorite sport.

While these may seem like harmless facts, strangers on the internet are now given easier access to where your child goes to school, where they may be located in the school and what extra-curricular activities your child may be involved in.

What information is more safe to include?

In this photo, Officer Vonneida includes less personal information about herself instead of oversharing details that could give strangers too much information about her.

While there is room to include a little more information, police say it is safer to share less information to ensure your child’s safety.

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