What is Sharenting?

My MySpace page is long gone — and I have to admit, I’m relieved about it. 

Even though some of my data might still be lingering on their servers or in web archives, I shudder to think about the posts, comments, and photos I shared as a teenager. And let’s not even talk about those early Facebook posts… because cringe-worthy doesn’t begin to cover it. 

Social media has changed a lot since I first joined MySpace. Today, it has woven itself into the fabric of our daily lives, often serving as a digital scrapbook where we document our moments and milestones.

However, when it comes to sharing images and information about our children, it’s crucial to tread carefully as sharenting can have serious implications for our kids’ privacy and safety. 

Sharenting Meaning

Sharenting is a blend of “share” and “parenting,” and is used to describe parents posting photos, videos, and personal details about their children online.

While it might seem like a way to share your child’s milestones with friends and family, it comes with risks that are important to understand.

Digital identity is increasingly valuable and vulnerable. Sharenting can lead to unintended consequences. For instance, personal information such as your child’s school name or your home address can be used to compromise their privacy.

Additionally, deepfakes and other forms of digital manipulation can distort these images in harmful ways.

To prevent deepfakes, it’s crucial to manage and limit your online images. Keep your profiles private, avoid posting personal photos or videos, and control tags and images your friends may share. By reducing the amount of personal data available online, you make it harder for deepfakers to create convincing videos of your kids.

Should I Post My Kid’s Photo Online?

Sharing photos of your children on social media platforms can seem harmless and even enjoyable. However, it’s crucial to consider the potential risks involved.

Posting pictures online means that personal information about your child, including their appearance, their location, and details of their daily lives, becomes part of their digital identity. This can expose them to various threats, such as identity theft, online predators, and privacy breaches.

A 2021 study found that over 1.25 million U.S. children experienced identity theft and fraud the previous year, with the average family losing over $1,100 as a result. The report found that over half of the cases involved kids ages 9 and younger. In over 70% of incidents, the perpetrators actually knew the child, so it’s not only strangers we need to be wary of. 

Before hitting “post,” think about the long-term implications. Nowadays images shared online can be easily saved, shared, and manipulated. Once a photo is online, we lose control over how it’s used.

It’s also worth noting that what parents share online may affect a child in the future, as they might feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or even harmed by content posted about them without their consent.

Every child is different, use your best judgment by putting yourself in their shoes. As an adult, would you like strangers or friends to see pictures of you in these private moments? If the answer is no, it’s not appropriate to share the child’s image online. 

Potentially Embarrassing Pictures to Avoid:

1. On the toilet
2. In the bath
3. In their undergarments
4. Messy eating
5. Having a meltdown
6. Sleeping in odd positions
7. Participating in activities they’re embarrassed about
8. Unflattering angles

Generally Fine Pictures to Post:

1. Hiking or playing outdoors
2. Birthday parties
3. School performances (without identifying the school)
4. Family vacations
5. Art projects
6. Achievements
7. Holiday celebrations
8. Everyday moments enjoying routine activities

What Age Should I Stop Sharing My Kid’s Photos?

There is no specific age at which you should stop sharing photos of your child, but it is wise to start considering their autonomy as they grow older. As children approach adolescence, they may become more aware of their digital footprint and the implications of their online presence.

It’s beneficial to start involving your child in decisions about their digital identity as they age. This includes discussing what types of photos and information they are comfortable with being shared. By respecting their wishes and gaining informed consent, you help ensure that they feel empowered and protected in their online interactions.

Some parents choose not to share their children’s faces on social media to protect their privacy. This approach has gained traction because some celebrities, like Mindy Kaling and Kristen Bell, have been vocal about the benefits.

If you choose to go this route, keep in mind that other parents may not have this same rule, so let them know not to post pictures of your child online and ask that tagged photos be removed or untagged. 

How to Safely Share My Kid’s Photo Online

Just as I look back at my own online past with a mix of embarrassment and relief, we must be mindful of how our current sharing practices might impact our children’s future digital identities.

If you decide to share your child’s photos online, follow these tips to do so safely:

1. Limit Personal Information: Avoid including identifiable details such as your child’s school name, a license plate, your home address or home facade, or any other personal information that could be used to exploit them.
2. Use Privacy Settings: Adjust the privacy settings on your social media accounts to control who can view your posts. Instagram has a “close friends” setting that allows you to share stories with only these people. Consider sharing photos only with a select group of trusted family and friends in a group text rather than publicly on social media.
3. Think Before You Post on Social Media: Consider how a photo might be used or perceived in the future. Will it cause embarrassment or harm to your child at some point
4. Discuss with Your Child: As your child grows, involve them in the decision-making process. Respect their wishes and preferences regarding what is shared about them online.
5. Educate About Online Safety: Teach your children about the importance of online privacy and security. Equip them with knowledge on how to manage their digital identity responsibly.

By treading carefully and considering the long term effects, we can better protect our kids from potential risks associated with their online presence.  Remember, while sharing our lives online can be a way to connect, it’s essential to prioritize our children’s safety and digital well-being.

Have you ever thought about the impact of sharenting on your child’s future? How do you navigate the balance between sharing precious moments and protecting your child’s privacy? We’d love to hear your thoughts, tips, and personal experiences. Drop a comment below and join the conversation.