What Amarillo Parents Should Never Post in Back-to-School Photos

The first day of school is sneaking up on us in Amarillo. It feels like we blinked and the summer was over. However, back-to-school shopping has commenced, Meet the Teacher nights have been scheduled, and the reminder emails and alerts have started.

What the Back-to-School Rush Means for Parents

That can only mean one thing: the first day of school.  As a parent, you will be prepared for that first day of school. The backpack is packed, the clothes are picked and laid out for the next morning. The alarm clock is set for a little earlier than normal so you can cook a special breakfast. Plus, the cute little chalkboard sign you spent hours creating for the perfect first day of school picture.

Why Those Cute Chalkboard Signs Could Be Risky

That simple memory-making picture puts your child in danger. As parents, we all want to show off our kids on their first day of school. They are the obligatory pictures we force our kids to take; however, when it comes to those pictures with the cute chalkboards or signs, you could be giving someone with bad intentions everything they need to know about your child.

Read More: Important Back‑to‑School Dates for Amarillo’s 2025‑26 School Year

The Mandated Reporter Training reports that 68% of social media users share photos or posts about their children. One in three parents will post about their child's first day of school and include the school they are attending and their teacher's name.

This type of information can be dangerous for your child.

It's funny how a fun, innocent photo can be used by criminals to target children.  However, when it comes to our children, keeping them safe is the most important thing you can do as a parent.

Read More: Texas Schools Enforce New Cell Phone Ban in Classrooms

How to Post First Day of School Photos Without Putting Your Child at Risk

If you do the First Day of School pictures, make them as generic as possible, and the fewer people you share them with, the better.