The Dangers of Sharenting
While sharenting might seem harmless and fun, it has both positive and negative aspects that parents, grandparents, and others should consider carefully.
I’ve just come back from visiting family and spent time with the new arrival grandson and the other (mainly) adorable grand kids. The desire to share some of these lovely and at times funny moments was strong. A year ago I might have done it without a second thought, but the work of groups such as Collective Shout and We Protect has stopped me. They highlight the problems and risks of online platforms which operate without guardrails. They have been found guilty of horrific abuse to young children, where their images and even voices have been hijacked by bad actors for online porn or other criminal purposes.
This act of sharing children’s lives online is called “sharenting.” The word comes from combining “sharing” and “parenting.” While it might seem harmless and fun, sharenting has both positive and negative sides that parents, grandparents and others should think about carefully.
The need to share
Parents often share their children’s photos for good reasons. It’s a way to celebrate milestones such as birthdays, first steps, or school achievements. For families who live far apart, social media helps them stay connected. Grandparents, uncles, and friends can see the child grow, even if they live in another city or country. Sharing also helps parents find support from other parents, exchange advice, and feel part of a community.
The risks of sharenting
However, sharenting can also have risks. Once a photo or video is posted online, it is almost impossible to completely remove it. Even if a parent deletes it later, someone might have already saved or shared it. These posts can reveal private information about the child, such as their name, age, school, or location, which could be used by strangers or even criminals.
Another issue is privacy. Children cannot choose what their parents post. A funny or embarrassing picture might make people laugh now, but when the child grows up, they might feel uncomfortable or even upset that such images are online forever. Some children have even said that they wish their parents had asked for permission before posting about them. In the future, these online posts could affect a child’s reputation, friendships, or even job opportunities.
Finding a balance
Sharenting is not always bad, but it needs to be done carefully. Parents can still share special moments without risking their child’s privacy. Here are some simple tips:
Ask for consent if the child is old enough to understand.
Avoid sharing personal details like full names, school names, or locations.
Use privacy settings to control who can see your posts.
Think before posting, ask yourself if your child would be okay with it in the future.
Keep some memories private. Not every cute moment needs to be online.
A digital footprint that lasts
Every picture or story shared about a child becomes part of their digital footprint. This footprint follows them throughout their lives. Parents should remember that they are creating an online identity for someone who cannot yet speak for themselves. Being mindful about what we share helps protect children’s future privacy and dignity.
The Dark Side and the Downside of Faux Vulnerability
Guardrails
Sharenting is a modern form of love and pride, but it comes with responsibilities. Parents, grandparents, and others should enjoy sharing their children’s joys while also respecting their right to privacy. By thinking before posting, we can keep both memories and children safe in the digital world.
