Bryan ISD security expert says posting your child’s back-to-school pictures can be dangerous
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – As students start heading out for the start of the new school year, parents will want to commemorate their big day with a sweet milestone picture. However, a Bryan ISD security expert says there are some safety measures to consider.
Posting your children on the internet can do more harm than good. Rich Himmel, the assistant director of security and safety for Bryan ISD, points out the obvious yet disturbing truth.
“I mean, there’s billions of people on the internet, and not all of them have great intentions,” Himmel said.
Himmel told KBTX keeping your location offline is key.
“If you can, turn off the geolocation portion of the camera on your phone so that it doesn’t put any of that additional information in the photo like your GPS location,” advised Himmel.
To prevent important information from getting into the wrong person’s hands, Himmel recommends keeping your house number, license plates, or your child’s school out of frame.
Scotty’s House discourages posting back-to-school chalkboard images on public profiles.
The Director of Development at Scotty’s House, a local nonprofit child advocacy center, Allison Prince, said once a photo is online, you don’t have control over where it goes.
“Kids, youth, young adults images are used in artificial intelligence videos,” Prince warned. “That’s not actually them in the video, but it depicts them.”
On the same not, Himmel added, “If you’re going to post them on the internet, remember the internet is forever.”
Prince suggested taking those picture-perfect moments on your stairs, against your front door without any numbers showing or on the walk to the bus.
Before posting your children on social media, experts advise you take a moment to look at the background just in case any identifying objects are in the frame.
