How to Politely Request Friends and Family Not to Share Your Kids’ Photos on Social Media

In an unsettling case that has recently emerged, a 27-year-old graduate student was discovered using real children’s pictures from the internet to create AI-generated child pornography for pedophiles. The most alarming aspect? He operated on a request basis. This horrifying story raises an important question that many parents are grappling with:

“How can I ask my friends and family not to post pictures of my kids on social media without coming across as overly preachy?”

Understanding Your Concerns

As a parent, your desire to keep your children’s images off the internet is completely justified. The reality is that online spaces can harbor predators who actively search for children on public profiles. With the rise of platforms like Snapchat and Roblox, it has become alarmingly easy for individuals with malicious intentions to pose as children and groom unsuspecting kids.

Additionally, sharing pictures of your children on platforms like Facebook or Instagram can inadvertently give companies like Meta the right to use those images to train their AI models. Unfortunately, the legal framework surrounding this issue is lagging behind technological advancements. As a concerned parent, it is your responsibility to safeguard your children’s privacy.

Communicating Your Boundaries

To avoid any awkwardness during social gatherings, it is wise to communicate your preferences before the event. Most people do not have ill intentions but may be unaware of the risks associated with sharing children’s photos online, especially if they themselves do not have kids.

Here’s a friendly example of how you can phrase your request:

“Hey, I wanted to give you a heads-up that we prefer to keep photos of the kids off the internet for privacy and safety reasons. We’ve come across some stories that have spooked us! If you could avoid posting pictures of them on social media, we’d really appreciate it!”

Addressing Photo Posts After They Happen

If a photo of your child has already been posted, don’t panic. It’s best to reach out as soon as possible and kindly ask for its removal. A private text message is usually more effective than a public comment, which may feel confrontational.

You could say something like:

“Hey, I just realized I forgot to mention this, but we’re keeping pictures of the kids offline for now. Would you mind taking this post down or perhaps reposting it with their faces hidden? Using an emoji to cover their faces works great!”

Creating a Private Sharing Space

Choosing not to share your kids’ photos publicly doesn’t mean you can’t share them at all. One excellent solution is to create an invite-only photo album for close family and friends. This way, you can still share memories without compromising your child’s safety.

For Google Photos:

1. Open the Google Photos app or website.
2. Create an album and select the friends and family you wish to share it with.
3. Ensure that the Link Sharing toggle is off for maximum privacy, allowing only invited users to view the album.

For Apple Photos:

1. Use the Photos app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
2. First, enable Shared Albums in your settings.
3. Create and share your album with selected individuals.

Maintaining Control Over Your Child’s Images

Taking proactive steps to protect your child’s privacy online is essential in today’s digital age. Communicating your boundaries clearly and creating a private sharing space allows you to maintain control over who sees your children’s images. Remember, you have every right to safeguard your child’s privacy in a world where the risks are increasingly real.

With the right approach and tools, you can ensure that your children’s photos remain safe and secure.