Guard kids’ privacy on FB

Dear Amy: I am writing to you regarding people sharing pictures of children in the buff on Facebook, Instagram or other social media.

I have a girlfriend who constantly posts pictures of her naked 3-year-old son.

Even worse, some of these photos were taken on a public beach. Imagine the looks from others as they stroll by!

To me, this is not only distasteful but also dangerous.

I am afraid that some of the “friends” from Facebook or Instagram could be pedophiles who might take advantage of this innocent boy.

I want to confront her about this through a private message. How can I approach this?

Dear Clothed: I think this practice is risky (and disrespectful to the child, who cannot consent).

Those photos can wind up anywhere (well beyond her own Facebook circle), and the photos of these innocent children can be grabbed and shared by pedophiles, who will hoard and trade them.

I am not offended by the sight of a nude young child at the beach, but in this day of secret photographing and photo-sharing, I agree that this, too, carries risks.

I suggest sending her a private message and saying, “I really enjoy seeing pictures of your adorable son on Facebook and Instagram, but I worry that any nude pictures can fall into the wrong hands and be shared well beyond your own circle of trusted friends. I hope you’ll think about possible unintended consequences when you post photos.”

Dear Amy: My grandmother is 78 and lost her husband about 10 years ago.

I’ve noticed over the last five years that she has become very lonely and likes to do ALL the talking. Due to the distance between us, I am only able to see her one or two times a year and for only one or two days per visit. Spending time with her is not fun anymore. She never asks about me, my future husband, my upcoming wedding, etc.

She doesn’t even ask me, “How are you doing?”

Our entire visit consists of her reminiscing about her past, and she will even cry over certain events, which results in me consoling her.

When it is time for me to leave after staying for a couple days, I feel as if I didn’t get to actually talk to her.

I hope this doesn’t make me seem selfish. I love my grandmother dearly; we used to talk till the cows came home, and it’s not the same anymore.

I want to talk to her about it, but I am afraid I will hurt her feelings. What should I do?

Dear Worried: You should be honest with your grandmother about your concerns: “Grammy, I’m worried about you. You seem so sad.”

It sounds as if she might be depressed. Older people are just as likely as anyone else to become depressed, but they aren’t routinely screened for depression. Speak to your parents (and/ or her) about this.

Also, if you correspond with her by email or snail mail in between your visits, you will basically have the opportunity to tell her whatever news you have regarding your own life.

Then when you are with her, you can say, “Remember how I wrote to you that I’m engaged? I have some pictures of my fiancé. Do you want to see them?”

Send questions for Amy Dickinson by email to askamy@tribune.com.