Law enforcement agencies across the country are inciting fear in the minds of parents who share back to school photos on their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

The warnings are don’t include the kids or teachers’ names. Don’t show the school or their grade. Pay attention to their backpacks, make sure there are no names. The thinking is, a pedophile or kidnapper could see the photo and figure out who the kid is, where they go to school, their grade, and teacher and could go to the school and kidnap the child.

That would take a lot of work for even the most determined bad guy. What has happened, and I’ve noticed it from many of my Facebook friends, parents are scared to post them.

One mom told me back-to-school photos are her “favorite things” on social media.

Are these concerns warranted, and should parents really be worried? Should you ever post any photos of the kids?

The movie plot warnings are overblown if parents do it right by posting photos privately.

When posting on platforms like Facebook, you can choose to share photos publicly or only with friends. For added peace of mind, it’s recommended to share photos of your child with friends only. You have the option to narrow down the audience by creating lists of friends you trust.

Regularly review your friend list and remove anyone you don’t know or trust. Additionally, check your follower list and block any suspicious accounts. Many people are unaware that even if you reject a friend request, they can still follow you. This may be fake accounts. They still won’t see pictures you post to friends, but if you post anything publicly they’ll be notified and can see them.

By following these simple steps, you can safely share back-to-school photos without compromising your child’s safety.

There are other things worth worrying about.

Unsupervised smartphone use is a significant risk for children. It’s crucial to monitor your child’s online activities and be aware of who they are communicating with. Even if your child doesn’t have a smartphone, their friends might. Talk to the parents of your child’s friends to ensure they are also taking appropriate precautions.

Online gaming is another area where children can be vulnerable. Predators often pose as children to gain their trust. Supervise your child’s online gaming activities and educate them about the dangers of interacting with strangers online.

These are just a few of the many online threats that parents should be aware of. While the risk of a back-to-school photo leading to harm is relatively low, it’s essential to be mindful of the potential dangers and take appropriate precautions.

Ultimately, the joy of sharing life’s big moments with friends and family should not be overshadowed by fear. By being aware of the risks and taking proactive steps to protect your children, you can continue to share these special moments without worry.