Parents' Guide to
Protecting Your Child's Digital Footprint

Practical steps to ensure your child's likeness is protected online from the start

SafeShare

Parents' Digital Privacy Checklist

Reducing your child's exposure online and preventing misuse

Your Parental Protection Checklist

Use this guide to take back control over your child's digital footprint, from birth onward

BEFORE BIRTH - Set the Foundation

Have "the talk" with family about photo sharing boundaries

Set up private family sharing platform (FamilyAlbum, Tinybeans)

Create family rules document about photo sharing

Decide on naming conventions that don't include full names

BIRTH & FIRST DAYS - Start Right

NO social media announcements with photos

Share birth details via private messaging only

Set up private family album for first photos

Create WhatsApp/iMessage family group for sharing

FIRST YEAR - Build Safe Habits

All milestone photos go to private family album only

Never post photos of child in bath, diaper, or undressed

Avoid location-tagged photos near home or school

Regularly remind family members of sharing rules

ONGOING PROTECTION - Stay Vigilant

Monthly review of family's social media accounts

Set up Google Alerts for child's name

Regularly check "Photos of You" sections on platforms

Update family rules as child grows and technology changes

FAMILY COMMUNICATION - Set Boundaries

Create written family photo sharing agreement

Establish consequences for breaking sharing rules

Regular family meetings to discuss digital safety

Designate one person to monitor and enforce rules

TECHNOLOGY SETUP - Secure Sharing

Install FamilyAlbum or Tinybeans for family sharing

Set up private Google Photos albums (no public links)

Create WhatsApp family group with strict invite-only access

Enable two-factor authentication on all sharing platforms

EMERGENCY RESPONSE - If Photos Are Misused

Document everything - screenshots, URLs, dates

Report to platform immediately (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)

Contact National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

Consider legal action if photos are manipulated or exploited

KEY PRINCIPLES TO REMEMBER

Your Child Cannot Consent

Children cannot meaningfully consent to having their images shared online. Every photo you post creates a permanent digital footprint they may resent later.

Once Online, Forever Online

Even if you delete a photo, it may have been saved, shared, or archived. Assume anything posted online is permanent.

AI Makes It Worse

AI tools can now manipulate children's photos into harmful content with just a single image. The risk is higher than ever.

You Are Their Protector

As a parent, you are the only one who can protect your child's digital privacy. Their future self will thank you.

Share this guide with other parents to encourage safer online habits for all children.