Linda Hall: Out there just a tad too much

Linda Hall

Opinion

A primary school in Auckland last week asked parents to stop posting pictures of other people's children to Facebook.

That's going to be a hard ask for many of today's parents who whip their cellphones out and snap photos of their children at every and any opportunity.

Once upon a time cameras only made appearances at celebratory events or holidays. Or maybe on a family outing mum or dad might say "don't forget the camera".

Today most people old enough to own a phone don't leave the house without a camera.

Parents are constantly snapping their children playing sport, in the playground, eating ice creams - you name it really.

Good for them - I wish I had more photos of my children when they were young.

I also understand why people want to share the photos on Facebook - they are proud parents.

Some people, more so than others, post every little thing their child does.

However, I do think the principal of the Auckland school has a point.

People should be aware of who else is in the photo. Some people don't like having their children's' photos splashed all over social media.

The other thing is that while Johnny might look cute with a dog licking his face when he's 3 years old, just remember those photos are going to stay in the public forum forever and we all know how cruel bullies can be and how any ammunition out there is fair game.

The principal said: "We ask that all parents are extremely mindful of making posts of other children on social media pages."

His actions are being praised by internet safety organisation Netsafe, which said children had a right to privacy.

I know I would have hated it as a kid. I didn't like getting my photo taken and still don't.

I'm sure all schools have policies around posting on social media. It will be interesting to see if other schools follow suit.

The other thing that caught my eye this week, or should I say caught my ear, was someone on the telly saying shopping is a pastime.

Yes - that's right, folks, apparently now when we have spare time instead of gardening, reading, knitting or perhaps playing sport we go shopping.

The shops are always busy on the weekends and while its great news for our retailers, I'd really like to know what people shop for, apart from food, week after week.

Where do they put all the stuff they buy? And I'd really like to know how they can afford to go shopping every weekend.

Don't get me wrong- I like to go shopping - there's something almost therapeutic about wandering around the shops looking at all the nice new shiny things, and the shoes of course.

However, I think I'd get bored if I did it every weekend. I can't afford to do that anyway and besides Mr Neat would be beside himself if I kept bringing "more stuff" home.

The final word this week goes to spuds.

Did you know that you can now get . . . wait for it . . . Lotatoes?

The low-carb potato is so "health conscious people can put potatoes back on the menu".

Really? Here's a novel idea - just eat one, not six. Problem solved.
* Linda Hall is assistant editor of Hawke's Bay Today.