WHY IT MATTERS
A child’s name, age, appearance and personal details may seem harmless when viewed individually. But when family content repeatedly publishes these details, strangers can build a surprisingly detailed profile of a child they have never met.
1. AVOID USING FULL NAMES
Public audiences rarely need a child’s complete legal identity.
2. PROTECT EXACT BIRTH DATES
Birthdays combined with names and locations can reveal valuable personal information.
3. LIMIT CLEAR IDENTIFYING DETAILS
The more distinctive information shared, the easier a child becomes to identify.
4. KEEP SCHOOL INFORMATION PRIVATE
Names, ages and school details together create a much clearer picture.
5. CHECK FIRST-DAY-OF-SCHOOL POSTS
Signs often reveal names, ages, classes, schools and interests in a single image.
6. BE CAREFUL WITH FAMILY TREES
Repeated discussion of relatives can reveal relationships and surnames.
7. DON’T PUBLISH PERSONAL DOCUMENTS
Passports, certificates, tickets and paperwork can expose sensitive data.
8. REMEMBER INFORMATION ACCUMULATES
Different videos can reveal different pieces of the same identity.
9. TEACH CHILDREN WHAT NOT TO SHARE
Children should understand that personal details don’t belong in conversations with strangers.
10. MINIMIZE THE PUBLIC PROFILE
Strangers don’t need enough information to feel as though they know the child personally.
BOTTOM LINE
Every personal detail adds another piece to a stranger’s picture of your child.