Social media safety: Authorities warn of dangers of oversharing online

CHICAGO (WLS) — Radio persona Drew Walker shares a lot of footage of himself and his spouse on social media, however in the case of his youngsters, he’s usually cautious to keep away from exhibiting their faces or placing an excessive amount of info on the web.

“The McHenry County Sheriff’s Division says that is a good suggestion for security causes. They’re placing out warnings to oldsters to restrict the private info they share on-line. Again to highschool is an thrilling time for teenagers and oldsters and plenty of mother and father prefer to put up footage from the primary day. The division has posted footage with examples of data that’s OK to share, together with info that may very well be an issue. Just like the title of your college or instructor or grade,” Walker mentioned.

“Your child’s favourite coloration, favourite meal, favourite film. Lots of mother and father use that stuff as their passwords and safety questions,” mentioned Deputy Tim Creighton, with the McHenry County Sheriff’s Division.

Authorities mentioned the hazard of posting an excessive amount of info ranges from identification theft to attracting potential youngster predators.

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Abuse sufferer Jenna Quinn has written a e book referred to as pure in coronary heart about her battle to beat sexual abuse as a toddler. She is now a number one youngster security advocate and the inspiration for state and federal laws referred to as “Jenna’s Legislation.”

“Should you’re gonna take an image of your youngster on their first day of faculty at their elementary college, now everyone is aware of what your youngster appears to be like like, what age, what grade and college they’ll discover your youngster at,” Quinn mentioned.

Authorities mentioned not solely must you watch out in regards to the info within the images you share, however you must also test the privateness settings in your social media to ensure the images cannot be shared.