Sharenting
Definition of Sharenting
Sharenting is a term coined to describe the practice of parents sharing their children's photos, videos, and personal information on social media platforms. It is a portmanteau of "sharing" and "parenting" and highlights both the benefits and risks associated with parents' online activities concerning their children.
The Practice of Sharenting
The allure of social media has made it common for parents to document and share important moments in their children's lives. These moments can include milestones such as the first day of school, birthdays, family events, and everyday activities. Sharing these moments allows parents to connect with family and friends, facilitate online communities of parents, and keep a digital record of their children's growth.
While the act of sharing these experiences may seem innocuous, sharenting can have long-term implications for privacy and security. Parents often underestimate the reach and permanence of their online posts and the potential risks they may expose their children to.
The Risks of Sharenting
Privacy Risks
When parents post about their children online, they risk exposing personal information to a wide audience. This information, which can include full names, birthdates, school names, and locations, can be accessed by unknown individuals, including malicious actors who may misuse it. Children's personal data can potentially be used for identity theft, cyberbullying, or even child exploitation.
Digital Footprint
Sharenting plays a significant role in shaping a child's digital footprint, the digital trail left by their online activities. From a young age, children's personal information and photos are being stored on social media platforms, creating a digital history beyond their control. This data can have far-reaching consequences, potentially influencing their personal and professional lives in the future.
Parental Consent
Another aspect to consider is the importance of obtaining consent from older children before sharing information about them online. As children grow older, they develop a sense of identity and personal boundaries. Sharenting without their consent may infringe upon their autonomy and privacy rights, causing friction within the parent-child relationship.
Tips for Responsible Sharenting
While sharenting can have risks, there are steps parents can take to mitigate them and foster a safer digital environment for their children:
1. Assess Potential Impact
Before sharing any content related to their children, parents should consider the potential impacts it may have on their children's privacy and future. Being mindful of the long-term consequences can help parents make more informed decisions about what to share and what to keep private.
2. Utilize Privacy Settings
Social media platforms offer privacy settings that allow users to control who can view and interact with their content. Parents should familiarize themselves with these settings and utilize them to limit the audience for their posts. By adjusting these settings, parents can create a more controlled online environment for their family.
3. Be Mindful of Information Shared
Parents should exercise caution when sharing personal identifiers such as full names, birthdates, school names, and locations. By avoiding these specifics, parents can reduce the risk of their children's information falling into the wrong hands. Instead, they can use generic terms and pseudonyms when referring to their children.
4. Communicate and Obtain Consent
As children become more aware of their digital presence, it becomes crucial to involve them in decisions regarding their online representation. Having open conversations about the potential impact of sharing personal information online can help children develop their understanding of privacy. Parents should seek their children's consent before posting content related to them, respecting their boundaries and autonomy.
Additional Considerations
Cultural Norms and Perspectives
The practice of sharenting is not universally viewed or understood in the same way across cultures. Different societies may have varying perspectives on sharing children's information online. It is important to respect and consider cultural norms when discussing this topic.
Legal Frameworks
Laws and regulations regarding online privacy and child protection also vary across countries. Familiarizing oneself with the legal frameworks in place can help parents navigate the complexities of sharenting responsibly.
Staying Informed
The digital landscape is ever-evolving, and it is essential for parents to stay informed about the latest trends, risks, and best practices related to sharenting. Reading trusted sources, engaging in online communities of parents, and attending relevant workshops or seminars can help parents adapt their practices to the changing digital environment.
Sharenting is a complex and multifaceted practice that carries both benefits and risks. By understanding the potential privacy implications, employing responsible sharing strategies, and involving children in decision-making, parents can create a safer and more respectful environment for their children in the digital age. It is crucial for parents to continuously educate themselves on digital best practices and stay vigilant in protecting their children's online privacy.