10 Things to consider before posting pictures of your kids online

THE GOLDEN RULE: Only post pictures of your children you would be happy to post about yourself. Remember: if it’s online it can go anywhere. Even if your privacy settings are configured, anything that is posted can be shared (even if it is via a screenshot).

THINK ABOUT YOUR HASHTAG: Avoid using hashtags like #nakedkids, #kidsbathing and #pottytraining, as this can help create places where predators can easily find pictures of children.

PAUSE BEFORE YOU POST: Ask yourself: is this an embarrassing photograph of my child? Could this picture or post cause my child to be bullied? Could this image be viewed as bait for predators? Is this really my moment or my image to share?

NEVER NUDE: Don't share nude or semi-nude photos of your child, even if your settings are private. Predators will often seek out images that can be manipulated with editing software to create indecent images. Always consider: is there enough room to superimpose another figure in the image? Is the child in a state of undress (even if emoticons are covering their modesty, these can be edited out)?

CHECK YOUR PRIVACY: Check your profile settings, especially any updates, and ensure your privacy settings are up to date. While they aren't a guarantee against people getting access to your information and images, they can help.

ASK PERMISSION: From an early age explain to your child why you're photographing them, and what you plan on doing with their photo or information. Make sure they're comfortable with what you're sharing. If you're thinking of posting a picture of someone else's child online, always ask their parents for permission to share first.

NO SHOTS AT SCHOOL: Avoid taking photos of your child in his or her school uniform or at his or her school. This helps to avoid identification. Inform the school of your thoughts on sharing photos of your child on school social media feeds also.

NO TAGGING, PLEASE: Ask friends and family not to tag themselves in pictures of your child, as this can make it visible to their friends and gives you less control over what happens to that image.

REMEMBER ONLINE IS FOREVER: Try to avoid using your child’s real or full name anywhere on your profile or captions, in order to future-proof their online identity. How happy will your grown-up child be if their future employer’s name-Google throws up an old image of them gobbling ice cream as a toddler?

DON'T LIVE SHARE YOUR LOCATION: Never tag your child's live location, even if they are with you and your family.