Hello Tipp City! Marc the Cop here,

Have you ever started to re-watch or binge-watch an old favorite television series?

Susan and I are re-watching the Showtime series Dexter. In that show, Dexter is a blood analyst in the crime lab of the Miami Metro Police Department in Miami, Florida; he is also a serial killer. But he only kills criminals who slipped through the cracks of the criminal justice system. In season four, John Lithgow stars as the Trinity Killer. In one scene, he sees in the back window of an SUV where the family has stick figures their family with their names. In this scene, Trinity uses that information to engage one of the children in that family. Susan says, “I’d never thought of that!”

This brings me to this week's Tipp of the Week. I have also seen proud parents on social media sharing photos of their children with signs that list their names, grades, heights, weights, etc.

I know we would like to think this is a happy moment to share with friends and family, but we are exposing our children to potential threats. Keeping your children's back-to-school photos free of personal information is crucial for several reasons related to privacy, safety, and digital security.

As we increasingly share moments online, understanding the potential risks is essential for protecting your family's privacy.

• Privacy Concerns: Sharing photos with personal information can inadvertently expose your child's identity. Their full name, age, school name, grade level, and other identifying information can be easily captured and misused. Once shared online, these photos can spread beyond your control, potentially landing in the hands of individuals with malicious intent. Keeping personal information out of these photos helps maintain your child's privacy and limits their digital footprint.

• Safety Risk: Significant safety risks are associated with sharing personal details online. Predators can use seemingly innocent information to build a profile on your child. Knowing their school and daily routine can make it easier for someone to track them. Additionally, revealing your child's school and grade can help someone pinpoint their location at specific times, increasing the risk of unwanted contact or even abduction. Keeping photos free of personal information reduces the chances of your child being targeted.

• Digital Security: In the digital age, identity theft isn't limited to adults. Children's information can be used to create fraudulent identities or accounts, which can go undetected for years. This can have long-term impacts on their financial future and personal security. Photos with personal information, when combined with other data readily available online, can make it easier for identity thieves to exploit your child's identity.

• Setting a Good Example: As parents, it’s essential to set an example for responsible online behavior. It's crucial to teach your children about the importance of privacy and the potential consequences of oversharing. By being mindful of what you share, you demonstrate the value of protecting personal information and encourage your children to think critically about their online presence.

• Practical Steps: To keep back-to-school photos safe, avoid capturing identifiable details like school names on uniforms or badges in the frame. Consider using generic backgrounds and ensuring that any text or information visible in the photo is non-specific. When sharing on social media, utilize privacy settings to limit the audience to trusted friends and family. In conclusion, being cautious about sharing back-to-school photos without personal information protects your children’s privacy and safety. By taking simple precautions, you can enjoy sharing these cherished moments while safeguarding your family’s digital security.

Remember the 9 PM routine! The Nine PM routine is a nightly reminder to residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, lock the doors to their residences, turn exterior lights, and activate all alarms and security systems. That is all for this week! Please be safe, care for one another, and I'll see you in church on Sunday!

Sgt. Marc Basye (Ret.)

Do you have a suggestion for the Tipp of the Week? You can email me at Marcthecop@tippgazette.com!

The opinions and statements in this column are those of the author, who is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. This column is for entertainment purposes only. Persons referred to may be fictional for comedic purposes only.