Warning To Parents: Stop Checking In | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Warning To Parents: Stop Checking In

They may not realize that their simple post on Facebook could be the difference between a good first day of school and a family catastrophe.

12
Warning To Parents: Stop Checking In
Facebook

I know that a lot of you are excited that your kids are embarking upon yet another year of school. But, I need to warn you, a lot of you are participating in behavior that is putting your child, or children, in danger while they are at school. You may not see that what you post on your social media pages can actually be putting your kid's safety in jeopardy.

Please stop posting pictures of your child on their first day of school and checking into the school. It's not the picture of your beaming child that's the troubling part, it's the checking into the school that's beyond dangerous. Ask yourself this, would you ever tell a stranger your home address? Probably not. You don't know them and you wouldn't want them to be able to locate you if they had not so good intentions. By checking into the school your child attends, that's pretty much exactly what you're doing. When you post a picture of your child and check into the school, you are providing potential predators all of the information they need to snatch your kid off of the playground at recess or attempt to sign them out as a family member or friend from the office. They know what your child looks like and where they will be without you.

Just because people on your Facebook are your "friends" that doesn't mean that they are trustworthy and safe. I know that I have a friend of a friend of a friend or a neighbor of a family member on their as my friend. When you post that information and photo, you are then giving unknown people, who could be dangerous, license to cause harm to your child.

A lot of you think and act like this is something that could never ever happen to them. Until it does. At that point, it is everyone else's fault and not your own. Yes, you are right, there are a whole lot of factors that go into something like this and it is never okay to cause harm to a child, whether they are your own or someone else's. But, there are things you can do and stop doing to the prevent the likelihood of stuff like this happening.

My advice is to not post stuff like this onto your own page and look out for others doing it, too. It may be hard to say, but message them and ask them to take down their status or remove the address. Share this article with them! They may not realize that their simple post on Facebook could be the difference between a good first day of school and a family catastrophe.

We all want our kiddos to have great first days of school and want to share how proud of them we are, but right out of the gate, we need to think about their academics and their safety. Not everyone is our friend and we need to remember that bone-chilling fact.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24179
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10108
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7374
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments