Back to school, social media and how to stay safe

Every August, my social feeds light up with smiling kids holding “First Day of School” signs.
I love it. It’s adorable. It’s sweet.

I take my own version of those pictures every year — my niece, backpack on, grinning at the camera… or not. I have a whole album of them, from when she could barely hold the sign to now… in high school. (Yes, I cry about it. No, I’m not okay.)

Those photos mark milestones we never want to forget. But here’s the part most people don’t think about: the same details that make them precious to us can also give away more than we realize.

We live in a world where a single picture can tell a stranger exactly where your child is, what they look like, and even when you won’t be home.
It sounds dramatic, but after years in social media, I’ve seen it happen more than once — and always to good people who just didn’t know better.

This post isn’t about scaring you or pushing you away from tech.
It’s about giving you the tools to keep your family safe while still sharing the moments that matter.
Because yes — you can post those proud parent moments and protect your kids at the same time.

Disclaimer: I’m not a parent.

But I’m part of a village that raised many babies.
And when you’ve worked in social media as long as I have, you see things most people never think about until it’s too late.
That’s why I’m passionate about teaching families how to protect kids online — because what we don’t know can hurt them.

Every photo, every post, every comment — it all leaves a digital footprint. And while “footprint” sounds harmless, in the wrong hands, it can be a roadmap to your child.

A back-to-school picture with the school’s name in the background? That’s enough for a stranger to figure out where your child spends six hours a day. Add a caption with their name or teacher’s name, and you’ve just made connecting the dots even easier.

And here’s a lesser-known one: some photos carry hidden GPS data (metadata) showing exactly where they were taken. Many smartphones let you turn this off — it’s worth checking your settings.

I’m not saying “don’t share.” I’m saying share smart.

Quick swaps:
• Take photos in front of a blank wall or at home, not the school entrance.
• Skip full names in captions — initials or nicknames work fine.
• Post later instead of in real-time — your timeline, your rules.
• Turn off location data in your camera settings before uploading.

That advice might feel obvious now, but it wasn’t always this way.

Back in my day, there was no social media (I can hear your gasp. I know.). We had AIM and Yahoo Messenger (RIP to both). I couldn’t wait to get home, jump on the computer, and hear that dial-up screech — which, fun fact, was literally two computers talking to each other.

Now, if it can connect to the internet, it can connect to a social media platform: tablets, gaming consoles, phones, laptops — all of it. And there’s a platform for every niche interest imaginable.

The dangers themselves aren’t new — predators have always existed. What’s changed is access. They don’t have to hang out at a playground to find kids; they’re already in the apps where kids chat, play games, and “meet friends.”

To a child, it’s not a predator — it’s a cool new friend who likes the same games, music, and TikToks. They think, Finally, someone gets me.

🚩 Big, Six Flags-sized red flag: when this “friend” is an adult you don’t personally know — and neither does your child’s other parent or guardian.

That’s why it’s critical to teach them:

“If they aren’t a friend from school, the neighborhood, or activities — they’re a stranger, no matter how nice they seem.”

Kids also need digital literacy skills — not just rules.

Show them how to spot red flags, question information being asked and shared, and understand why “private” online spaces aren’t always private. In the following weeks, I will be releasing a safety guide for children, so they understand what digital literacy is, how to stay safe online and when to get a trusted adult involved.

Yes, monitor their online activity and respect their privacy.

There are apps and tools for parents, plus safety features from mobile providers. Think of it as “stranger danger” for the digital age.

And again, educate them (and yourself) on digital literacy.

I’m not a child psychologist, and this isn’t a complete list. But if you notice several of these together, it’s worth paying attention:

• Sudden secrecy with their phone or tablet
• Quickly changing screens when you walk in
• New slang, nicknames, or “inside jokes” you’ve never heard
• Staying up late to “talk to someone”
• Mood swings right after being online
• Unexplained gifts or money
• Deleting messages or histories

Just as important: make sure your child knows you’re protecting them, not invading their privacy. Keep the communication door open. If they trust you’ll listen, they’re more likely to come to you before something goes too far.

Protecting kids online isn’t about fear — it’s about awareness. The more we talk about it, the more we normalize safety checks, the safer we can keep the children.

This post is just the start. In the coming weeks, I’ll be rolling out a full online safety series — for parents, kids, and even older adults or people brand new to the internet — so everyone can navigate the online world without falling into hidden traps. And yes… I’m cooking up a special guide for online dating in the age of AI (cat-phishers, your days are numbered).

If this post opened your eyes or reminded you of something you’d forgotten, pass it on — to a friend, your PTA group, or the family chat. And if you want the rest of the series, join my email list. No spam, no scare tactics — just tools you can actually use to protect the people you love.

Let’s make the internet safer for everyone. Together, we can.

My Go-To Resources for Families

If you need help or want more tips, these are solid starting points:

• CyberTipline — National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1-800-843-5678 | report.cybertip.org

• ConnectSafely — Parent guides & safety tips: connectsafely.org

• Common Sense Media — Privacy & safety guides: commonsensemedia.org

• Bark — Parental monitoring tool: bark.us

• Qustodio — Screen time & content control: qustodio.com