Fort McMurray, Alta. - As parents get ready to send their children back to school, the Wood Buffalo RCMP is reminding parents and caregivers to think carefully about what information they share online.

For many families, the first day of school is a special milestone. Parents may take photos of their children holding signs displaying their name or grade or posing outside their home before heading off to school. While these photos can make wonderful memories, sharing them publicly on social media can also reveal personal information about a child.

Background details in a photo can also unintentionally reveal information. House numbers, street signs, school logos, uniforms, vehicle licence plates and even landmarks can help identify where a child lives, goes to school or spends time.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to consider keeping first-day-of-school photos within their private circle of family and friends rather than posting them publicly.

Before sharing a photo online, the Wood Buffalo RCMP reminds parents to ask themselves:

• What information does this photo reveal?
• Who can see it?
• Does everyone who can see it need to know?

Parents who choose to share photos online can also review their social-media privacy settings and consider removing identifying information from photos before posting.

“Back-to-school photos are a tradition for many families and a great way to celebrate an important milestone,” says Staff Sergeant Sabrina Clayton, Acting Operations Support Officer of the Wood Buffalo RCMP. “Before sharing those photos online, we encourage parents to take a close look at what information may be visible in the image. Details such as a child’s name, school, grade level, home address, or recognizable landmarks can unintentionally reveal more than intended. Taking a few moments to review privacy settings and limit identifying information can go a long way in helping protect a child’s safety and privacy online.”