Social media use has become so prevalent these days that photos of our children online is a topic that we will have to address sooner or later. Our friends at Common Sense Media [1] are here to give us the tools and advice we need to handle the topic appropriately.
Sharing photos online [2] has become such common practice that most people don't think twice before posting pictures of their kids — and yours — on social media sites. If this makes you uncomfortable [3], let people know. You can ask the poster to take down the photo or crop it so your kid isn't in the picture.
If you're OK with a photo but only want certain people to see it, ask the poster to enable settings that limit who can see the photo to a small circle or ask them to use a photo-sharing site such as Picasa [4] or Flickr [5] that requires a login.
Remember, you're not alone — lots of parents don't want to see their kids' photos online [6]. You might consider announcing your preferences whenever you see cameras flashing.
More great reads from Common Sense Media:
Snapchat, Kik, and 6 More Iffy Messaging Apps Teens Love [7]
9 Social Media Red Flags Parents Should Know About [8]
16 Apps and Websites Kids Are Heading to After Facebook [9]