WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Schools across Pennsylvania are heading back to school this week, and social media platforms are flooded with images of children heading out on their first day.
Each year, photos of children heading back to school swarm social media for the first day of school.
The excitement is obvious as many young students embark on a new adventure of learning.
While some post their children's grades and basic information on social media, there are parents who post much more detailed information that could put their children and themselves in danger.
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"I mean, everybody loves to be able to share on brag about everything that's going on in their lives with their kids, but I think it's really important to know. Is that anything that we put out there can fall into the wrong hands?" Sarah Brown, mother of two high school students, said.
For Sarah and her kids, it's an open-door policy. If her kids don't want her posting photos of them on social media, she will listen.
When kids are younger, Sarah believes it's up to the parents to protect their children from potential social media dangers.
"When they're young, and they don't quite understand that I think we as the parents need to kinda take a step back and think if this is something that you know should be being put out there for the entire world to be able to see," Brown continued.
Detective Jeff Gibson and Chief Richard Kotchik of the Kingston Police have yet to experience a case where social media was a main source to gather information, but it's not out of the realm of possibilities.
"Because all of the information is all there, your address. A lot of times, people take photos, and you can see the house, you can see the actual address right online. Know your audience. Know who you are communicating with. Have your settings set to where you know the people who can get this information," Detective Gibson told 28/22 News.
For Brown she never had social media when her kids first started school. Before every post, she is very concise about what is being shown and said.
"Just like with everything in our lives, there's a plus and a minus to social media when used appropriately. It could be a great tool. I just think we all have to use common sense and take a step back and realize what we're sharing," Brown added.
"The social media thing is, has definitely progressed, and as you go on, it just keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger, and you know everything, anything is posted anymore," Chief Kotchik stated.
