A child’s photo can reveal much more than a face. A school logo, street sign or familiar landmark may expose where they are, while the timing of a post can reveal their routine.
Sharing children’s photographs online has become a normal part of family life, but privacy risks can be easy to overlook. UNICEF advises parents and caregivers to consider what information a photograph reveals, who can see it and whether the child could be identified or located from the image.
Before posting, take a few seconds to check the background.
Look for school names, uniforms, ID cards, house numbers, street signs, shop names, vehicle number plates and recognisable landmarks. Even when a child’s name is not mentioned, these details can help identify where they study, live or spend time.
Be careful with live location sharing. Posting that a child is currently at school, a playground, tuition centre or another regular location can reveal part of their daily routine. UNICEF recommends reviewing location settings and limiting location information shared through apps and social media.
Consider when you post. Sharing a photograph after leaving a location can reveal less about where the child is at that moment than posting it while they are still there.
Check the photograph’s metadata and privacy settings as well. Some devices and apps can attach location information to photographs, while social media platforms have different settings for location and audience controls. Review these settings regularly.
Ask older children how they feel about having their photographs shared. UNICEF recommends involving children in age appropriate decisions about their online privacy and teaching them that anything posted online can be difficult to remove completely.
