Crissie O'Dea Marketing

Why We Need to Think Twice Before Sharing Our Children’s Lives Online

In today’s digital world, it’s almost second nature to post about our daily lives on social media. For many parents, this includes sharing pictures, milestones, and moments of their children. This practice, known as “sharenting,” may seem harmless, but it carries risks that many may not realise. Let’s explore some of the potential dangers of sharenting and why we need to be mindful about what we post.

What is Sharenting?

Sharenting refers to parents sharing information, pictures, and videos of their children on social media. Whether it’s a cute picture from their first day of school or a family vacation snap, these posts create a digital footprint for the child, often before they even understand what social media is.

While it can be a fun way to connect with family and friends, it’s important to consider the long-term effects of this seemingly innocent habit.

1. Identity Theft

One of the most alarming risks of sharenting is the potential for identity theft. By sharing personal details like names, birthdays, schools, and even family routines, parents may unknowingly provide cybercriminals with the information they need to steal a child’s identity.

Children are particularly vulnerable to identity theft because it can go unnoticed for years. According to experts, by 2030, two-thirds of identity theft cases involving young people will come from information shared online by their parents. This means that what seems like a harmless post today could lead to serious financial and legal problems for your child in the future.

2. Exposing Children to Online Predators

The internet isn’t always a safe space. Every time a photo or video of your child is posted publicly, it becomes accessible to anyone. Even if your privacy settings are tight, there is always a risk that a post can be shared or copied, falling into the wrong hands.

Online predators often search social media platforms looking for information about children. Something as simple as a photo in a school uniform can give away personal details like where a child goes to school. This could lead to dangerous situations, including stalking or worse.

3. The Digital Footprint Problem

When parents share content about their children online, they are creating a digital footprint that the child may not want in the future. These posts can stay online indefinitely, and as the child grows older, they might not appreciate or agree with how their early life was shared with the world.

Children have a right to their own privacy, and as they grow older, they should be able to decide how they present themselves online. What seems cute or funny to a parent today might be embarrassing or uncomfortable for the child when they are older.

4. Emotional and Psychological Impact

Children may not always understand the implications of their lives being shared online, but that doesn’t mean it won’t affect them. As children become aware of their online presence, they may feel uncomfortable or even violated, especially if personal or private moments were shared without their consent.

It’s important to respect children’s feelings and autonomy when it comes to their digital presence. Before sharing a post, consider how they might feel about it now and in the future.

5. Breaches of Consent and Privacy

One of the most important ethical considerations with sharenting is consent. Young children cannot give meaningful consent to having their photos or information shared online. This creates a challenge, as parents must make decisions on behalf of their children.

However, as children grow older, it’s crucial to involve them in these decisions. Asking for their consent before sharing can help teach them about privacy and respect for others’ boundaries, while also protecting their own.

How Can You Sharent Safely?

If you want to continue sharing moments from your child’s life while minimising the risks, here are some tips to consider:

• Tighten Privacy Settings: Ensure your social media accounts are set to private and that only trusted friends and family can see your posts.
• Avoid Personal Details: Refrain from sharing sensitive information like your child’s full name, school, location, or daily routines.
• Ask for Consent: As your child grows older, involve them in decisions about what is shared online. This helps them learn about consent and privacy.
• Limit Public Posts: Even if your account is private, be cautious about sharing too many personal details. Once a post is online, it can be shared or screenshotted without your knowledge.
• Consider Alternatives: If you want to share updates with family and friends, consider using private messaging apps or creating a private photo-sharing account that’s separate from public social media platforms.

Final Thoughts

Sharenting is a modern phenomenon that allows parents to share their children’s lives with the world. While it can help create lasting memories and connections, it also carries significant risks. By being mindful of what we post and who can see it, we can protect our children’s privacy and safety online.

Remember, it’s not just about sharing memories, it’s about safeguarding their future. Let’s think before we post and always share with care.