As learners across Ekurhuleni return to classrooms for the start of the 2026 academic year, the City of Ekurhuleni has extended its well wishes to teachers, parents and learners, while also urging heightened awareness around child safety.

With the excitement of the first day back at school, many parents are expected to capture and share photos of their children online. However, the city, through the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), has cautioned against posting images that reveal school uniforms, logos or locations, as these details can place children at risk.

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According to the City of Ekurhuleni, child trafficking remains a growing concern in South Africa, with social media platforms increasingly being used by traffickers to identify and lure potential victims.

Seemingly harmless posts can provide criminals with valuable information about a child’s routine and whereabouts.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to closely monitor their children’s online activity, adjust privacy settings on social media accounts and remain vigilant at all times. The city has also called on communities to work with law enforcement to help ensure a safe environment for all learners.

As the new school year begins, the City of Ekurhuleni has emphasised that safety must go hand in hand with academic success, reminding residents that protecting children is a shared responsibility.