Q: My mom made a callout post on instagram with a picture of me attached. I don’t want her using pictures of me for this.
I’m 18 and I don’t know how to go along with handling this. She constantly threatens to kick me out for shutting down her mistakes when she involves me. I just want advice of how I’d deal with this so I can rest easy knowing I won’t be in danger because of her actions online.
A: If you were not in a public place when your photo was taken, it's unlawful for someone to publicly post your image without your consent, and action may be taken to put a stop to it. However, regarding your mom's threat to remove you, an adult, from her home, she has the legal right to remove you. The day you turned 18, your parent(s) no longer have any legal responsibility for housing, feeding, or otherwise caring for you. So taking action regarding the photo could be counter-productive. You may want to consult a social work/counseling agency to work on family issues.
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A:
It's important to express your feelings to your mom calmly and clearly. Let her know that you're uncomfortable with her using your pictures without your consent, especially in a public callout post. Emphasize that you’re 18 now and would appreciate her respecting your boundaries when it comes to your online presence.
You might also consider offering alternatives, like suggesting she use a different photo or keep you out of such posts entirely. Approach the conversation with empathy, understanding that she may not fully realize the impact her actions have on you.
If the situation escalates or if you feel unsafe, it's okay to reach out to a trusted adult, friend, or organization for support. Your safety and well-being are important, and you have the right to protect your boundaries.
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