Newton PD Warns Parents About Day 1 School Photo, Child Predator Risk

NEWTON, MA — With school beginning this week in many communities, the Newton Police Department is reminding parents to be careful about the "first-day" photos they post of their children.

"It is important to be aware what information is being put out on social media," the department wrote in a social media post of its own.

While it's common for parents to post a photo of their child or children standing in front of their house on Day 1, the NPD said that such photos could be too revealing when they include details like a child's "name, age, school information, likes or dislikes."

"Please also consider what is included in your picture such as house number, license plates or your child's bus stop. All of this information could be used by a predator to take advantage of your child," the NPD said.

On its Facebook page, the NPD included an example of a good Day 1 photo and a bad Day 1 photo, featuring the department's Community Resource Dog Officer Leo.