In today’s digital age, social media has become a central part of our daily lives. From sharing photos of vacations to posting updates about milestones, it’s a way for people to connect, share, and communicate. But one growing trend, known as “sharenting,” has raised important questions about privacy, consent, and the long-term impact of sharing children’s lives online. Parents, eager to share their parenting experiences or celebrate their children’s achievements, may inadvertently expose their children to risks that they themselves might not fully understand.
This article will explore the concept of sharenting, its risks, and what both parents and society can do to navigate the challenges of raising kids in the social media age.
What is Sharenting?
Sharenting refers to the act of parents posting pictures, videos, or information about their children on social media. While it often starts with innocent intentions—capturing and sharing moments of pride or love—many parents fail to realize that their children, who are the subjects of these posts, have no say in the matter. According to CyberGhost (CG), this practice has become so widespread that it’s now a major cultural phenomenon, with research showing that some children have more online content about them than many adults do.
The Growing Popularity of Sharenting
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have amplified the practice of sharenting. According to recent statistics, approximately 81% of mothers post regularly about their children on social media. What started as a simple way to share milestones and moments with friends and family has evolved into a virtual scrapbook of a child’s life. Birthdays, first steps, vacations, and even daily routines often make their way onto the internet.
Parents often argue that sharenting allows them to stay connected with family members and showcase their children’s growth. It’s seen as a form of self-expression and can even create a sense of community among parents who share similar experiences. However, the underlying risks should not be underestimated.
The Risks of Sharenting
While sharing photos of children may seem harmless, it opens the door to several risks, some of which can have lasting consequences. Here are some of the most significant concerns:
1. Privacy and Consent Issues
One of the most significant risks associated with sharenting is the issue of privacy. Children do not have the ability to consent to being featured online. What a parent might view as a cute or proud moment could be something their child might later find embarrassing or invasive, especially as they grow older. With the rise of digital footprints, these posts can last a lifetime.
As children age, they may become more aware of their online presence. What happens if a photo, video, or story shared by a parent comes back to haunt them in the future? In extreme cases, what happens if these posts are exploited or misused?
2. Exposing Children to Predators
Unfortunately, the internet is not a safe space for everyone. While social media platforms have security features, they are not immune to hackers, online predators, or other malicious actors. When parents share personal photos or videos of their children, it increases the risk of these materials being downloaded, shared, or altered by individuals with ill intentions. This can expose children to unwanted attention and even dangers like identity theft or abduction.
3. Long-Term Digital Footprint
Once something is posted online, it can be difficult to remove completely. Even if a photo is deleted, screenshots, archiving tools, and third-party sharing can ensure that content is preserved. In the future, children may face consequences such as cyberbullying, harassment, or discrimination based on the content their parents shared when they were young.
Additionally, as children grow older, they may become concerned about the digital trail left by their parents. They may question the fairness of having their childhood shared without their consent, leading to conflicts or feelings of resentment.
4. Impact on a Child’s Sense of Identity
Children are still developing their sense of self. By constantly being the subject of public attention, they may begin to feel that their worth is based on how others perceive them. This can lead to issues with self-esteem and self-image, especially if they become the target of online criticism or bullying. As they grow older, they may feel frustrated that their lives were put on display without their consent.
The over-sharing of personal moments can also limit a child’s ability to grow and make mistakes without being under constant scrutiny. Every misstep or challenge may be immortalized in digital form, affecting their ability to grow into their own person.
Legal Concerns and the Digital Age
As sharenting becomes more prevalent, legal implications are starting to gain attention. In some countries, laws are being discussed to better protect children’s privacy in the digital age. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union includes provisions that relate to children’s data privacy, which may impact how parents share content about their children. However, these regulations are still in the early stages and don’t yet fully address all the potential issues raised by sharenting.
Parents may also face legal challenges if they share information that violates their child’s right to privacy or exposes them to harm. Some parents have even faced lawsuits from their children later in life for sharing content they found embarrassing or damaging to their reputation.
Ethical Considerations in Sharenting
Beyond the legal risks, there are ethical questions to consider. Is it fair for parents to make decisions on behalf of their children about what content is shared? Some argue that children have a right to privacy, which should be respected from birth onward. In the same way that we wouldn’t publicly share a private conversation with our friends or family members, we should extend that same courtesy to our children.
On the other hand, others argue that parents should have the freedom to share moments that bring them joy or foster relationships with loved ones. The key challenge lies in finding a balance between sharing and respecting privacy.
Navigating Sharenting: What Can Parents Do?
So, what can parents do to navigate the risks of sharenting while still staying connected and engaged online? Here are some practical tips:
1. Consider the Content Before Sharing
Before posting a photo or video of your child, take a moment to reflect on whether it’s appropriate for public viewing. Would the content still be acceptable if it were viewed by strangers? Consider the implications of your post and whether your child will be comfortable with it as they grow older.
2. Limit Social Media Exposure
Consider sharing content within a closed group of friends and family instead of publicly. Many social media platforms offer privacy settings that allow you to control who sees your posts. This can help mitigate some of the risks associated with over-sharing.
3. Think Long-Term
Remember that the internet is forever. Even if you delete a post, there may be lasting consequences. It’s essential to think about how your child might feel in the future when their entire childhood is documented online.
4. Give Children a Voice
As children get older, involve them in the decision-making process. Ask for their permission before posting certain content and respect their wishes. This helps build trust and shows respect for their privacy and autonomy.
5. Stay Informed About the Risks
Educate yourself about the digital landscape. The more you know about the potential risks of sharenting, the better equipped you’ll be to make responsible decisions.
Conclusion
Sharenting is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it provides a way for parents to share the joys and challenges of parenting with others. On the other hand, it exposes children to potential privacy risks, identity issues, and long-term consequences. As we continue to navigate the digital world, it’s important for parents to balance the desire to share with the need to protect their children’s privacy and well-being. By staying informed, thoughtful, and respectful, we can help ensure that social media remains a positive space for families, while protecting the privacy of those who don’t yet have a voice in the digital world.
