Parents have been warned not to put pictures of their children in school uniform on social media.
Proud parents across the country have this month been uploading images of their children in school uniform to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to mark the first day of the new school year.
But a psychologist claims parents are putting their children at risk of abuse by paedophiles.
Dr Jessica Taylor, who campaigns for victims of abuse and violence - tweeted: “‘Thank you so much to all of the parents who have posted pics of their kids in their uniforms, so I can now pinpoint where they are, claim to know them, wait outside their schools, claim to know their friends & groom them…’
“…is what I would say if I was a perpetrator.
“THINK!”
She added: “If you won’t let your kids upload pics of themselves on to the internet, THEN WHY TF ARE YOU DOING IT?”
Twitter users were quick to have their say.
Cyber_Hannah replied: “I completely agree. I think it’s wrong that parents do this, I'm not a parent myself but I just don't understand why they feel the need to do it.
“I'm a consenting adult and don't even post pictures of myself because I fear that creeps can find me.”
CrimeGirl tweeted: "Cheers for saying this and using your platform to highlight this. Can confirm having worked resettling sex offenders that this & open social media accounts are tools used by child abusers once they develop a ‘crush’ on a child. They will ingratiate themselves w/ parents."
But Bina Modhi said: "Why I am not allowed to post photos of my nephew aged 7 and niece aged 5. I can assure you they both looked gorgeous in their uniform. Also pleased that they both love school and their friends"
And BornAt333ppm added: "Teaching them security and boundaries is better than never posting their mugs online."
Others added that [arents should ensure there are strong security settings on their social media to prevebt pictures being shared, and suggested teaching children what to do if approached by strangers.
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