Think Before You Post: Keeping Kids Safe on the First Day of School

The first day of school is a milestone moment for families. New uniforms, proud smiles, and the traditional photo at the front gate or on the verandah are all part of the ritual. While these moments are worth celebrating, authorities are reminding parents and carers to pause before sharing first day photos online.

The Australian Federal Police has released a practical parental checklist encouraging families to think carefully about what they post on social media, particularly when it involves children.

According to the AFP, images shared online can be downloaded, altered, or misused by others, even when accounts are set to private. Once a photo is posted, control over where it ends up is effectively lost.

Key safety reminders for parents and carers include:

Avoid sharing identifiable details. This includes school names, logos on uniforms, location signs, or captions that reveal a child’s full name, age, or school.

Check privacy settings. Make sure social media accounts are set to the highest privacy level and regularly review who can see posts.

Be mindful of backgrounds. Street signs, house numbers, and school signage can all give away more information than intended.

Ask before you post. As children get older, involve them in the decision and respect their right to privacy.

Think long term. Images shared today can remain online indefinitely and may resurface years later.

The AFP also encourages families to talk with children about online safety from an early age, including what information is safe to share and what should stay private. These conversations help build digital awareness as kids begin using devices, apps, and school platforms themselves.

The message is not about avoiding photos altogether. It is about being informed, cautious, and intentional. First day memories can still be celebrated with family and friends through private messages, printed photos, or secure sharing options that limit public exposure.

As the school year begins, a moment of consideration can go a long way in protecting children’s safety, privacy, and digital footprint, now and into the future.