Dear Parents and Guardians,

As the holiday season approaches and many of you prepare for travels near and far, I want to take a moment to address the importance of staying safe while on the move and maintaining digital safety, particularly in the context of sharing on social media. You can find more information on this topic on my school blog at: IT Director Blog.

When it comes to traveling during the holidays, it’s essential to prioritise safety and security. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip, flying to a new destination, or simply spending time away from home, taking precautions can make a significant difference. I would also like to draw your attention to the topic of Sharenting, where parents may share too much unnecessary information about their children’s lives online.

The Dangers of Sharenting:

1. Privacy Concerns: When parents share photos and information about their children online, they are essentially creating a digital footprint for them from a very young age. This information, once shared, can be difficult to fully control or remove, potentially impacting a child’s privacy and security as they grow older.
2. Online Predators: Posting detailed information about a child’s daily activities, routines, and locations can inadvertently provide fodder for individuals with malicious intent. It’s important to be cautious about sharing specific details that could compromise a child’s safety.
3. Identity Theft and Fraud: Oversharing personal information, such as full names, birthdates, and even locations, can increase the risk of identity theft and fraud. Cybercriminals can potentially use this information for nefarious purposes.
4. Emotional Well-being: As children grow older, they may express discomfort or embarrassment about the extent of their lives that has been shared online without their consent. This can have a lasting impact on their self-image and relationships with their parents.

Practicing Safe Sharenting:

1. Set Boundaries: Before sharing, consider what type of content is appropriate to post and what should remain private. Respect your child’s boundaries and seek their permission when sharing about them online.
2. Review Privacy Settings: Ensure that your social media accounts have strong privacy settings in place. Limit the audience who can view your posts, and be selective about who you accept as friends or followers.
3. Avoid Overexposure: Instead of sharing every detail of your child’s life, be mindful of the content you post. Consider sharing in a more controlled and selective manner.
4. Education and Communication: As children grow older, engage in open discussions about digital privacy and the implications of sharing personal information online. Educate them about the importance of being cautious about what they share.

May I also take this opportunity to share a video about sharenting and the potential dangers of this in the context of the AI world. Please click here to view the video: Sharenting Video.

By staying informed and practicing responsible behavior, we can create lasting memories without compromising our security. I wish you and your loved ones a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Warm regards,

Atif Hussain

IT Director