Police and online safety experts are urging families to pause before posting those first-day-of-school pics online. Here’s why.
The first day of school is a big milestone for families, and it’s natural to want to share those proud moments.
Big smiles, new backpacks, shiny shoes – these back-to-school photos capture memories worth celebrating.
Posting them online can feel like part of the tradition, but it’s worth pausing for a moment to make sure you’re sharing in a way that keeps your child’s information safe.
Why a quick check matters
Once a photo is online, it can be hard to control where it goes. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t share. But a few small steps can make a big difference.
SA Police (SAPOL) is encouraging families to take simple precautions when posting back-to-school photos.
“Simple actions like blurring or obscuring the logo of your child’s school on their uniform or in the background of an image can help ensure you don’t provide additional personal information that could be used by others for a nefarious purpose,” Superintendent Damien Epps of SAPOL’s Public Protection Branch says.
Even a few everyday details – a name tag, school logo, hobby reference or house number – can help someone build a profile of a child or family, especially when combined with other publicly available information.
“Unfortunately, this is a reality, which is why we are urging families to be proactive by keeping their child’s information safe as the 2026 school year gets under way,” Superintendent Epps says.
“It’s also important parents and carers check their social media privacy settings and think carefully about who can access what they post.”
Taking a moment to check your photo before posting is an easy way to stay in control.
Emerging online risks
Technology is evolving quickly, and some new tools can manipulate images in harmful ways.
The eSafety Commissioner has highlighted concerns about AI tools that can alter photos without consent. This is a reminder to be thoughtful about what we share.
The good news? Most risks can be managed with simple habits and privacy settings.
Setting your account to “friends only” helps, but remember that anyone who sees your post can screenshot or share it. If you’re posting in community groups or if others tag your child, it’s worth checking who can access those images.
Building healthy digital habits
Every photo we share adds to a child’s digital footprint – an online trail that lasts longer than the moment.
Asking your child for permission before posting is a great way to build consent habits early. If they’re old enough to ask questions, they’re old enough to be part of the decision.
Easy ways to share safely
You don’t have to stop celebrating. Try these simple tips when posting back-to-school photos:
- Crop or blur school logos on uniforms and bags
- Avoid posting photos taken at home near identifying objects like letterboxes
- Skip full names, ages or year levels in captions
- Don’t tag or check in at the school location
- Ask family and friends to check before posting photos of your child
- Use private messages or closed groups instead of public posts
If something goes wrong
If a photo ends up somewhere it shouldn’t:
- Ask the person who posted it to remove it
- Report the post to the platform
- Contact the eSafety Commissioner under Australia’s image-based abuse scheme
- Get in touch with SAPOL or the ACCC if you believe a child is at risk
For more tips on how to keep your child’s images safe online, visit the eSafety Commissioner’s website here.
