Warning issued to proud parents on GCSE results day

As GCSE results roll out across the country, families are basking in the achievements of their kids. However, they're being cautioned to think twice before taking to social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to celebrate.

Marc Porcar, CEO of of QR Code Generator PRO S.L, warned: "If your child has done well in their GCSEs, it is only natural to want to post about it on social media and share with family and friends how proud you are. However, it is important that parents are being cautious about what they post online.

"Whilst sharing results alone is OK, sharing them alongside an image of your child in their school uniform or tagging the college they're heading to could be risky. Sharing information or photos of their children on any social media platform, even if their account is private, ultimately leaves a digital footprint."

This digital footprint, generated when internet usage creates a trail of data, isn't solely formed by personal posts but can also stem from others sharing information about someone and may endure indefinitely. Predominantly visible through a Google search, this digital information can be used for targeted advertising or could potentially be misused in far more damaging manners.

Marc warned of the potential dangers of oversharing on the internet, saying: "Firstly, this can lead to future problems such as university decisions or job applications. What the internet says about your child, this can impact these outcomes.", reports the Mirror.

He also highlighted the risks of personal data falling into the wrong hands: "Also, if any shared images of personal information, get into the wrong hands of a cybercriminal- such as a child's full name, birthdates and approximate school and address-