Experts warn parents about dangers of back-to-school photos

BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — The first day of school is always exciting for students and their parents. But before you send your child off to school, the Center for Child Justice is working to ensure that kids and families enjoy a happy back-to-school season free from the potential for danger and abuse.

The center and Blair County’s Children’s Advocacy Center are reminding everyone to exercise caution when sharing details about children on social media, especially on the first day of school.

According to a recent press release, ‘pictures or chalkboards featuring your child’s name, age, teacher, and favorite things can unintentionally provide valuable information to predators, scammers, and bullies.’

“It does happen here. We’re involved sometimes when it does happen here. So it’s just something to be careful of no matter where you are. Unfortunately, these types of things can happen anywhere and to any one. Child exploitation doesn’t discriminate. So, we want to make sure that kids in Altoona, Blair County, across the country are safe as much as possible,” Richard Servello, Program Director for the Children’s Advocacy Center said.

To keep your celebrations safe, Blair County’s Children’s Advocacy Center has a few tips:

• Limit Personal Information : Avoid sharing identifying details such as teacher names, school names, and your child’s favorite activities.
• Neutral Backgrounds : Ensure that the background of your photos doesn’t reveal any location information, like addresses or landmarks.
• Selective Sharing : Take multiple pictures some for social media and others for sharing privately with close family and friends through texts or direct messages.

“The less information, the better. But, you know, again, have fun. Enjoy the beginning of school, but just make sure we’re doing it in a safe way,” Servello said.

The Center for Child Justice claims that predators often gather and use personal information from social media to build profiles and establish relationships with children and families.

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If you have concerns that your child or teen has been contacted by potential predators online contact your local authorities. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Center for Child Justice at (814)-201-2057 or to report suspected child abuse call ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.

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