8-20-2026 6:41pm

Franklin Township Police Share Back‑to‑School Safety Reminder for Families

Donnella Tilery Editor

As the back‑to‑school season approaches, the Franklin Township Police Department is urging families to take simple but important steps to keep children safe — especially when sharing those beloved “first day of school” photos online.

With millions of parents posting back‑to‑school pictures each year, officers are reminding the community that children are our most cherished treasures, and protecting their personal information is essential. While those milestone photos are a joyful tradition, they can unintentionally reveal details that put children at risk.

Parents are encouraged to avoid including identifying information on First Day of School signs or props, such as:

Full name
Grade or age
Teacher’s name
School name
Specific programs or activities

If you’ve already created a detailed sign, the department suggests capturing the moment for your own keepsake and sharing it only with close family and friends. A simpler sign — or no sign at all — can still make the memory special while keeping your child’s privacy secure.

Officer Pinto offered a helpful comparison: a photo that lists personal details can unintentionally expose a child to danger, while a photo that keeps information general is a much safer choice. Limiting what you share publicly helps prevent predators from using personal details to target children.

The Franklin Township Police Department encourages all families to stay mindful, stay cautious, and work together to keep kids safe as they head into a new school year.