22/07/2026
🚨 YOUR HOLIDAY PHOTOS COULD BE TELLING BURGLARS EXACTLY WHAT THEY NEED TO KNOW.
That gorgeous beach selfie...
The airport check-in...
The "Two weeks in Spain 🌴☀️" post...
They're lovely memories.
But they can also send one very clear message:
"Nobody's home."
I know that sounds dramatic, but as a social media coach, it's something I think more people need to be aware of.
When you post in real time that you're away, you're not just sharing your holiday with friends and family. Depending on your privacy settings, who's following you, who's viewing your Stories, or who someone else shares your content with, you could also be advertising that your home is empty for days or even weeks.
And here's something else that many parents don't think about...
📱 Talk to your children too.
Your teenager posting "Off to Greece ✈️" on Snapchat, Instagram or TikTok can reveal just as much as your own posts.
Many young people have large friend lists, accept people they don't really know, or have location features switched on without realising it.
It's worth having a conversation before you go away.
"Let's enjoy the holiday first and share the photos when we're home."
It's a simple habit that could make a real difference.
💬 "But how would anyone know where I live? I've never posted my address."
That's what many people think.
The reality is that people can piece together far more information than you realise.
For example:
📍 Your Instagram location sharing or map features may reveal places you regularly visit.
📍 Your children's Snap Maps may show exactly where they are—or where they usually are.
🏡 Photos you've shared over the years may include your house number, street name, distinctive front door, driveway, car registration, school uniform, local landmarks or recognisable views.
📦 Delivery photos or "new home" posts can unintentionally reveal your address.
🏷️ Friends and family might tag you at your home without you even noticing.
🗺️ Local Facebook groups often reveal the area you live in.
👤 Your profile may list your workplace, your children's school, your hometown and the clubs or gyms you attend. Individually these seem harmless, but together they can build a surprisingly accurate picture.
🧩 A determined person doesn't usually rely on one piece of information. They connect lots of small pieces together.
Before you head off on holiday, here's my social media safety checklist:
✅ Wait until you're home before posting holiday photos and videos.
✅ Turn off location sharing where you don't need it.
✅ Check whether Instagram, Snapchat or other apps are sharing your location.
✅ Review your privacy settings and who can actually see your posts.
✅ Talk to your children about not posting in real time while you're away.
✅ Ask family members not to announce that you're on holiday either.
✅ Avoid posting countdowns like "Off tomorrow for two weeks!" or "Can't believe we've left the house empty!"
✅ Save the memories while you're away and enjoy the moment—you can share everything once you're safely back home.
Social media is an amazing tool. I make my living helping people use it well, and I genuinely love it.
But part of using it well is understanding the risks as well as the rewards.
A little awareness goes a long way.
Enjoy your holiday. Make incredible memories.
Just consider sharing them after you've returned home.
Kat 💙