Not wanting pix of child online

Octoberlove

Sooo, I was a bit taken back by a phone call I got from a friend today.  She, (very nicely), let me know that she and her DH didn't want any pictures of their DD posted to Facebook or other public places online.  I had just posted a picture of our DH's with their girls taken at a recent party.  I of course apologized and promised to take it down right away.

I feel bad for not even thinking twice about posting this picture.  Both the mom and dad are on FB along with all their siblings and parents, (who I'm friends with), so I thought they would enjoy the picture and honestly I think that Facebook is such a part of the culture now, I just made the assumption it would be all right. I guess I should stop assuming.

 This call made me feel a bit judged because being a mom AND a photog, there are pictures of my kiddo pretty much everywhere, including my website and public blog.  I personally feel like this is the culture our kids are going to grow up in and since there are zillions and gabillions of pictures of kids everywhere, having a digital record of my kid is just one more drop in the bucket.  I of course refrain from the nakey pix though.  I'm curious, do any of you have strong feelings about this subject? 

Octoberlove

And to add another facet to the discussion, how do you feel about people with well know blogs like Kelle Hampton or Joy's Hope or even all of the local photographers with a good sized following that post pictures and stories about their children for the greater world to see?

Zista

We have a friend in our mommy group that's the same way, and she (very nicely) let us all know in advance that they had decided that her LO wouldn't be online.  I didn't feel judged about it... it's just her preference.  Our child, on the other hand,  had a digital presence before he was born, and identifiable by name the moment he was born.  

I keep my Facebook locked down (friends only), and I'm very cautious about the information I provide even then.  With 287 "friends" (work colleagues, school mates, old friends, etc.), the chances are sadly pretty high that at least one of them could be that "he always seemed like such a nice guy" pedophile. I try not to think about it.

IdahoGirl

It totally depends on context for me.  I put pictures of my kids on FB (which I have the security set pretty high on) and our shutterfly (which requires a password to be able to view or download) - but that's about it.  I don't mind if friends who are like minded put pictures of Madelyn and WIll up if they tell me they're going to.

That having been said, I don't post pictures of other people's children without asking them first - just because I know it's a sensitive topic and understand their hestiation.  With all of the perverts out there, I'd never think twice about someone not wanting pictures out there.

In fact, I think there was a mom on here who's child's photo was stolen and used for something....can't remember the details....

myself1nme

We are one of the families that don't want pics of our kids online.  We have a shutterfly account that we share the password with our friends and family.  There they can "like" picutres and make comments just like FB.  There are many factors leading to this decison, but not wanting particular family members to see was a big one. (When you leave your wife and kids and dissapear off the face of the planet, you don't deserve to see your grandkids)

Mama_v2.0

We are cautious. I know if I can stalk myself online so can anyone else with half a brain. So we don't post pictures of our children. 

If other people feel secure doing it than that works for them. If someone post a picture of my child and it isn't easy to connect the dots than I am usually okay with it.  

JRS72206

I have a personal blog, personal FB and work related for both that all have photos of my kiddo on them. I only post photos of her on the work one every once in awhile, but you can find them easily. I don't worry about it too much, but every once in awhile the privacy part crosses my mind. The day I ever have an issue is the day it changes, of course.

MrsAmyB

I know a few people who don't want pictures of thier children online and that is fine with me.  I actually didn't plan on posting ANY pictures of the triplets after they were born.  Being apart of a multiples group, there have been so many cases of people faking having twins+ and stealing pictures and online identities of other people.  Which is why my siggy actually talks about this.  I started getting creeped out when I was pregnant and friends/family wanted to take pictures of me to show their friends or they would ask me to text them a picture of my belly.  I was NOT okay with that.  Singleton, maybe.  Boatload, no.  My FB security is very high.  The only non-FB picture of the trio I have online is the one in my siggy.  I have a few of Megs on my business sites but no one could point her out as mine unless they knew me.

I think it's more of a mom protecting her kids.  Maybe some see it as overprotecting but to each their own.

dawnies79

I have no insight obviously, but I have noticed with the new FB layout you can't right click and save pics anymore which I think is great for those (including me) worried about online security. Like everything online I'm sure there is a way around it, but I doubt the average person would figure it out. 

jcyahne

On my blog I don't post pictures of other people's kids unless they have specifically said they are okay with it.  It is not password protected.

On FB it sort of depends on the circumstance.  If it is somebody who is already a friend of mine on FB and posts pictures of their kids then I may post without their permission and tag them.  So far nobody has asked me to take anything off, but I would if they wanted me to.

In terms of pedophiles, I know they do prowl the internet but really it is more likely that a child will be harmed by a family member or friend than a stranger on the internet.  They are often people who blend into society and they go unnoticed.  Sad but unfortunately very true.

mishquiche

dawnies79:

I have no insight obviously, but I have noticed with the new FB layout you can't right click and save pics anymore which I think is great for those (including me) worried about online security. Like everything online I'm sure there is a way around it, but I doubt the average person would figure it out. 

Unfortunately I think most people already know of the easy way you can restore it back to how you were able to view photos before.

Mrs.Kiltlifter

I am one of the mom's that does not want pictures of her children online at all.  I have had to ask friends to take down pictures before.  My reasons are fairly simple; I work in a job where the people that I am adversarial with or even my own clients could potentially gather information as to my address and children's personal information and use it to harm them.  The only way you see pictures of my children is if you ask me for them or are part of an email that I send out.  For me it is 100% about the safety of my children and it is more a product of my job more than anything.  I do think that people have become very lax on personal security but that is a personal opinion. 

Octoberlove

Thanks for sharing your opinions ladies!  Good food for thought.