At first, it seemed harmless—a few photos here and there, shared by my ex’s new girlfriend.
But when I realized our children’s images were public, complete with names, school uniforms, and intimate family moments, a chill ran through me. It wasn’t anger that hit first—it was fear. In that instant, I knew this was bigger than photos; this was about protecting the ones I loved most.
My ex and I have been divorced for two years, sharing custody of our two children. When he started dating someone new, I thought she seemed genuinely kind.
But then the posts began. Pictures of our kids, all public, each one tagged with their names, their schools, their daily routines. I asked her politely to stop, but she refused. Checking her Instagram, I felt a knot form in my stomach. Private moments—bedtime routines, birthday celebrations—were now visible to anyone online.
Fear gripped me before anger. In today’s digital world, exposing children in this way can carry real dangers.
Instead of reacting impulsively, I reached out again—kindly but firmly. I explained why safety and boundaries mattered. While I appreciated her love for the children, sharing their identities without consent wasn’t acceptable. She brushed it off, saying she was “proud” and wanted to showcase her new family.
It became clear this wasn’t malice—it was ignorance. But protecting my children was non-negotiable. I spoke with my ex calmly, laying out the potential risks and consequences. At first, he didn’t fully grasp the gravity of the situation, but after reviewing examples and talking through the dangers, he understood.
Together, we approached her—not with confrontation, but with unity and concern for the kids. To my relief, she apologized, admitted she hadn’t realized the seriousness, and promptly removed the posts. From that day forward, we set a firm family rule: no pictures of the children online without consent from both parents.
Conclusion
This experience taught me that protecting children in a digital world isn’t just about rules—it’s about communication, clarity, and cooperation. By approaching the situation calmly and together, we safeguarded our children’s privacy and showed that thoughtful action, respect, and unity can make all the difference.