By Julie-Ann Sherlock
In the age of social media dominance, a new phenomenon has emerged, dubbed “sharenting”—the habit of parents sharing copious amounts of content about their children online. From adorable baby photos to milestone moments, it has become the norm for many parents eager to document and share their parenting journey with friends, family, and sometimes even strangers.
However, beneath the surface of this seemingly innocent practice lies a host of potential pitfalls and dangers, leading many to question whether putting everything about your sweet little one out there is really such a good idea after all.
My kids were born at the start of the internet era, but just before social media became a big thing, so their images and info were initially only shared through emails targeted to friends and family. As they got older, Facebook became a thing, and I shared some pictures and details about their lives online. Until my sons asked me to stop. I listened to their wishes and rarely posted about them again.
My sister has two small children, and apart from their birth announcements, no other images or aspects of their lives are shared online. We have a family WhatsApp group where the cute little pictures and videos are dispersed so that those of us who adore the girls can enjoy watching them grow.
What’s The Problem With Sharenting?
At first glance, sharenting appears harmless for many of us—parents proudly showcasing their children’s achievements and adorable antics to the world. After all, who wouldn’t want to share the joy of parenthood with their loved ones and social circle?
However, what may start as innocent sharing can quickly spiral into something more concerning.
One of the primary issues is the lack of consent. Children, especially young ones, are unable to give informed consent to having their lives plastered across the internet for all to see. What seems like an endearing photo or amusing anecdote to a parent could be embarrassing or even damaging to their child later in life. Once posted online, content is virtually impossible to fully retract, leaving children at the mercy of their parents’ oversharing decisions.
Safety Concerns
It can have severe implications for a child’s privacy and safety. Posting detailed information about a child’s daily routines, whereabouts, and even their full names can leave them vulnerable to exploitation, identity theft, and even abduction. In an era where online predators lurk in every corner of the internet, parents must exercise caution when sharing information about their children online.
This practice of documenting every second of your child’s life on the internet can have long-term consequences for a child’s digital footprint. In today’s hyperconnected world, an online presence is increasingly becoming a digital legacy that can follow individuals throughout their lives.
What may seem harmless in the moment—a cute baby photo here, a funny anecdote there—can come back to haunt children when they’re older, potentially affecting their relationships, job prospects, and overall reputation.
Unsolicited Usage
Another concern is the potential for exploitation by third parties. Social media platforms thrive on user-generated content, and children are often unwitting participants in their parents’ quest for likes, shares, and followers. Companies may also exploit children’s images and personal information for targeted advertising or other purposes without their consent, further eroding their privacy and autonomy.
Additionally, it can blur the lines between a child’s public and private identities. By sharing intimate details of their children’s lives online, parents may inadvertently rob them of the opportunity to define their own identities and boundaries. Children deserve the right to control their own narratives and decide what aspects of their lives they want to share with the world—a right often violated in the age of sharenting.
Despite these concerns, the issue shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, with the proliferation of social media platforms and the increasing pressure to curate the perfect online persona, many parents are doubling down on their habits, inadvertently putting their children at risk in the process.
So, what can be done to mitigate the risks of sharenting? Firstly, parents must exercise caution and restraint when sharing content about their children online. Before hitting the “post” button, they should carefully consider the potential consequences and whether their child would be comfortable with the content being shared.
Additionally, parents should educate themselves about online privacy and security best practices to protect their children from potential harm.
It is also vital to have open and honest conversations with their children about what they share online and its implications. By involving children in the decision-making process and respecting their autonomy, parents can empower children to control their digital identities and set boundaries around what they’re comfortable sharing with the world.
Sharenting may seem harmless, but its implications are far-reaching and potentially harmful. From compromising children’s privacy and safety to eroding their autonomy and agency, it poses serious risks that cannot be ignored.
As parents, it’s our responsibility to prioritise our children’s well-being above our desire for online validation and recognition. So, think twice the next time you’re tempted to share that adorable baby photo or funny anecdote. Sometimes, the risks far outweigh the rewards.