North Dakota Back-to-School Boards Could Be Giving Away Too Much

Back-to-school season is here in North Dakota, and as parents, you want to capture all the memories! The first day of kindergarten or the first day of 6th grade is special, especially as a parent! As the excitement of a new academic year fills the air, parents everywhere will be snapping photos of their adorable children, ready to embark on another educational adventure.

Sharing First-Day Photos? Keep Your Child’s Safety in Mind

Those first-day-of-school photos are extremely special memories for everyone in the family, but as you prepare to share these moments on social media, remember to prioritize your child's safety.

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Back-to-School Boards Can Reveal More Than You Think

We've all seen the fun boards filled with little facts about the little ones—full names, schools, grades, and even their favorite hobbies or school subjects. While these boards add a personal touch to the photo, did you know they also share a lot of sensitive information? Unfortunately, predators and scammers are always on the lookout for such details.

Read More: North Dakota Tweens Are More Connected Than Ever—Here’s How to Keep Them Safe

Post Less, Protect More: Keep Kids’ Info Private Online

The safest practice is to keep personal information to a minimum, regardless of your privacy settings or friend lists on social media. Instead of sharing their full name, maybe just a first name or a fun nickname. Avoid mentioning their school, grade, or age. Your child’s safety is far more important than a few extra likes on social media.

If you can’t resist sharing, consider alternatives. Capture the joy of the first day without the extra details. A close-up of their smiling face or a shot of their new backpack or outfit can still convey the excitement without giving out any information that may compromise safety. Remember, a picture for your memory book can stay in your memory book.

Let's make this school year wonderful and safe for all our little scholars. Have a fantastic school year!