In the age of social media, parents sharing photos of children online has become an integral part of modern parenting.
For many parents, social media platforms provide a space to celebrate their children’s achievements, share images of special moments, and connect with family members and friends.
However, the trend of “sharenting”—parents sharing images, videos, and details about their children’s lives on social media accounts and other online platforms—has sparked concerns about children’s privacy and the potential long-term consequences of social media sharing.
An Australian study found that approximately 7% of kids whose parents share images of them on online platforms are prone to requests for child abuse content. This results in exploited children and violated privacy for kids online.
As more parents post content about their kids online on social media, understanding the potential dangers and how to safely share a child’s life is increasingly important.
What is Sharenting?
“Sharenting” is a newly coined term combining “sharing” and “parenting” (CNN). But what is sharenting, really?
Sharenting refers to the practice where parents share pictures, videos, or details about their children on social media platforms.
This behavior has become widespread, with many parents using social media accounts to document everything from the birth date to their first steps, school achievements, and everyday moments of their own child.
While parents sharing these milestones can seem harmless, it can also raise privacy issues and lead to negative consequences for children as they grow up in the digital world.
The Potential Dangers of Sharenting
Although sharing photos and videos of a child online may seem like a way to celebrate parental pride for other parents on social media, for the most part, it doesn’t do any harm.
However, when parents are sharing photos of their children online on social media platforms, there are various potential threats associated with sharenting that parents need to be aware of.
1. Children’s Privacy and Digital Footprint
Every time parents are sharing photos online or videos of their children on social media platforms, they contribute to the child’s digital footprint—information about them that exists on the internet.
The kid has no control over this content, and what may seem cute or funny today could be perceived in a negative light when the child becomes an adult.
When parents share images online– with personal details such as their birthday, full name, or school location being shared– it can inadvertently compromise a kid’s privacy. These details on social media platforms can be used to create a digital identity without the child’s consent.
2. Identity Theft and Digital Kidnapping
When parents are posting detailed information or children’s photos online on social media platforms can make it easier for malicious actors to commit identity fraud or “digital kidnapping,” where images of a child are stolen and used on fake social media profiles.
Identity theft is a growing concern in the digital age, and even basic details like a birth date or child’s name can be exploited for identity theft or sold on the dark web.
3. Mental Health and Self-Image Concerns
Another danger of sharenting lies in its impact on the self-image, self-esteem, and mental health of each child.
Many children on social media may feel pressure to meet certain expectations based on how their lives are portrayed online by their parents.
As children grow, they may also struggle with having their experiences shared without their consent, leading to issues with self-esteem and anxiety about their online presence.
4. Impact on Children’s Rights
Parents posting images and videos of a child online without their informed consent can infringe on children’s rights.
The child may not be old enough to understand the potential consequences of their parents sharing their children’s images, and as they grow older, they may disagree with the content that was shared about them.
Additionally, parents posting children’s photos online (or videos) that include other people’s children without permission can violate the rights of others, leading to unintended legal or ethical issues.
Tips for Safely Sharing a Child’s Life Online
Now that we’ve answered the main question “What is sharenting?”, many parents need to know how they can protect their children online.
To help parents navigate sharenting and protect their children’s privacy while still enjoying and continuing to share photos of their children online, here are some tips:
1. Limit Personal Information You Share Online/on Social Media Posts
When parents post about their children, they should avoid sharing sensitive information such as the child’s location, full name, birth date, friends’ names, or school name.
Sharing these details may expose the child to identity theft or other online risks. Instead, parents must keep captions and posts generic to protect children’s privacy.
3. Use Privacy Settings Wisely
Most social media sites offer privacy settings that allow users to control who can see their posts. Parents should regularly review and adjust their privacy settings to limit their audience to trusted friends and family members before they share online.
Parents should avoid making social media accounts public, especially when sharing images of children.
3. Ask for the Child’s Consent When Possible
As children grow older, it’s important for parents to ask for their input before sharing content that includes them. This practice helps to promote informed consent in kids and respect their developing autonomy.
For younger children who may not fully understand social media, it’s still wise for parents to consider whether they might be comfortable with the content being shared later in life.
4. Avoid Posting Photos of Other People’s Children Without Permission
Before sharing photos online that include other children, obtain permission from their parents or guardians.
Posting online without consent from parents or the kids themselves may not only violate privacy but also put other children at risk, even if they are children of friends and family. Respecting the privacy of other kids is crucial.
5. Beware of Over-Sharing (Photos, Personal Data, Location)
It’s one thing to share pictures or write a blog post about your kids online for friends. However, parents should practice avoiding sharing excessive details about their children.
Consider whether the post will be meaningful years from now and if it could potentially harm your child’s self-esteem or reputation. Reducing the frequency of sharing images can help protect your child’s digital footprint.
6. Join Parenting Support Groups for Advice
Many parents find support and advice through parenting groups on social apps. In fact, one mother has shared how one of the groups on social media platforms reminded her how she is “still a great mom to her children.” There are undoubtedly benefits to these groups for many parents.
It’s normal to seek advice and connect with other parents online, but be cautious about sharing personal details, and avoid posting photos online of children in these groups.
Instead, focus on discussing parenting strategies and exchanging general advice rather than sharing private content.
7. Monitor Social Media Sites for Data Collection Practices
Social media platforms often collect data from users, including children, for advertising purposes. By understanding the data collection practices of social apps, parents can better protect their children.
Other organizations on social media platforms are prudent with securing their data policies, but some share images and other content of children with other software.
These photos online could be stored in artificial intelligence databases that may expose many children to exploitation.
Parents should choose platforms that offer stronger privacy protections and parental controls.
Use Image and Location Protection Features
When sharing images, some social media platforms allow users to blur a child’s face or remove metadata that reveals location information.
These features can help protect chidlren’s privacy and reduce the risk of digital kidnapping or identity theft of children on social media.
Navigating the Positive Aspects of Sharenting
While sharenting does present risks, there are also positive aspects. Sharing milestones can help parents connect with family members and friends who live far away, raise awareness about important issues, and even find support from other parents.
However, it’s important for parents to balance their desire to share their children’s lives with the need to protect their kids’ privacy.
By taking steps to safeguard children’s online presence, parents can still enjoy the benefits of social media sharing without compromising their kids’ rights.
Camella Urges Parents to Ensure the Safety of Their Child Online
Understanding the implications for a child’s privacy, mental health, and digital identity is crucial.
By implementing practical safety tips and considering the long-term consequences of social media sharing, parents can navigate the complexities of sharenting while prioritizing their child’s well-being and future.
Parents must recognize that children have a right to privacy, even from an early age. As children age, they should be allowed to have a say in how their lives are shared online.
Striking the right balance between celebrating a child’s life and protecting their privacy will help ensure that sharenting behavior does not negatively impact their future in the digital world.
Celebrate Life’s Milestones in Camella!
Make unforgettable memories in a Camella home.
Our communities are designed to elevate your living experience.