Mum gives important warning against posting children's Nativity photos online

18 December 2018, 15:42 | Updated: 18 December 2018, 16:13

Parents are warned against uploading group shots of nativity plays. Picture: Getty

A concerned parent has taken to social media urging others to be mindful when posting pictures of school nativity plays.

It's that time of year when social media timelines are flooded by proud parents sharing pictures and videos of their children in the school nativity play.

However, not all mums are on board with the uploads, and one has hit out against those who post pictures with other kids in shot.

Taking to Facebook, the parent wrote: "One of my absolute bugbears!! I hate it when people post photos of “their child” on Facebook... whether it be a group school photo or Christmas play etc, but everyone else’s child is one the photo or in the background...

"When you sneakily record your child's Christmas play... THINK.

"It is possible that a child in that school is at risk of abuse, has been removed from a dangerous and chaotic life and has been placed into foster care or with adoptive parents."

Parents are urged to be wary of uploading nativity shots containing other children. Picture: Getty

The lengthy post continued: "We then post a picture with the child in the background. A friend shares it, the abusers see it and know the child's school.

"This child then has to pack up belongings move to a new home, new school, new carers, new life, the previous carers are also at risk along with their own children...

All because we needed to share it on fb, just follow school policy, they don't tell you not to record because they are miserable.

"They tell you this to protect vulnerable children."

The mum rounded off by urging people to raise awareness, and penned: "Copy and Share please. I think this is truly important."

Photos should only contain your child unless there's permission from other parents. Picture: Getty

An NSPCC spokesperson has also warned that this should be extended to any images of your youngster in a sports team or social group.

They added: "“It is important for adults to think about the impact that posting videos and photos of children can have before doing so.

“The main reason for this is that when a photo or a video is uploaded, it can create a digital footprint of a child that can be tracked – it can also follow them into adult life.

“Before a photo or video is uploaded, it is important that the child is consulted beforehand. Adults should think about whether the child would be happy for you to post it, or if they would be embarrassed now or in the future.”