We write fairly frequently about keeping yourself and your charges safe in the social media age, but with Christmas just around the corner we thought it was time for a reminder…
There are few careers more sensitive to social media activity than a nanny’s. Even the most conscientious carer can slip up without knowing all the risks and taking all necessary precautions – first and foremost to protect the children they’re responsible for, but also to safeguard their employer’s other assets, and their own careers as caregivers.
Please, NO Pictures
First and foremost, never EVER share images of the children you’re looking after on social media. No matter how proud you are of that squirrel costume you created with your own fair hands. Even when it’s Chritsmas time and you want your friends to see what a glorious mess you’ve made of that gingerbread house with your little charges. You may have a private profile and a small group of trusted friends and followers, but it only takes one slip of the hand - one tap of the finger - for a privately shared image to enter the public domain.
Resist Boasting
.. and beware the implications of the information you share. Complaining about employers or children on social media is unprofessional and unkind, but divulging family information - however harmless it might seem - can be very dangerous.
It’s tempting in a career that can take you around the world - working for high-profile employers and living in fabulous places, seeing incredible sights – to want to share some of this with your friends and family. But think about all the data you might be arming a predator or a burglar with. How easily could an abductor single out your child from sight, call them by their name and engage them in a discussion about their likes and dislikes based on the information you’re inadvertently feeding them through Facebook status updates?
Bypass Check-In
You may enjoy checking into airports, restaurants, hotels and clubs socially – especially if you’ve moved somewhere exciting for your job - but checking into baby cafes, toddler gyms and for café playdates or at airports whilst travelling with your employers at Christmas is a massive security issue.
Bottom line
.. sharing information can be damaging to children’s safety, and this is a most pertinent issue to modern nannies who increasingly use apps, mobiles and social media to keep in touch with parents and organise children’s social events during the working day and over the festive period.
Have a frank and open discussion with your employers about their attitudes to their children’s presence on social media before you start working with them, and make sure you’re both firmly on the same page.
And finally, if you’re in any doubt – don’t post it!
Why not share this article with your fellow nannies, or use it to start a discussion with your employer.