Table of contents
- The risks of sharenting for privacy and security
- Sharenting and psychology: how it affects children’s well-being
- Sharenting: real examples and impacts on the family
- A real case in point: photos on social media – from family album to online storefront
- How parents can responsibly share
- Digital awareness: educating and protecting children
Sharenting, translation: The term sharenting originates from the combination of the words “share” and “parenting”.
Sharenting, meaning: This phenomenon refers to the tendency of many parents to share online content, such as photos and videos, about their children on social media.
Motivations vary: from the desire to capture special moments like a child’s first steps or the first day of school, to sharing personal experiences and feelings with friends and family.
The phenomenon of sharenting has gained prominence with the rise of social media, becoming a common practice.
However, behind this seemingly innocent habit lie complex issues and potential risks to children’s privacy and security.
Understanding the meaning of sharenting can help parents make informed decisions regarding the sharing of online content.
The risks of sharenting for privacy and security
When parents share photos of their children on social media, it is essential to consider the risks of sharenting.
Although many view these posts as harmless, they have serious implications for privacy and security. One of the main risks is identity theft.
Sharing information like a child’s birth date and location or details of daily activities online can make it easier for third parties to access personal information.
In some cases, malicious individuals may use this information to create fake profiles or steal the child’s identity.
Moreover, once shared, content can end up in the hands of strangers. Photos and videos, once posted, can be saved, copied, and distributed by other users without parental control.
In a world where cyber security is increasingly complex, the phenomenon of sharenting raises critical questions about online privacy management and how to protect minors’ personal data.
Sharenting and psychology: how it affects children’s well-being
From a psychological perspective, sharenting can impact children’s well-being, especially as they grow up and realize the extent of their exposure since early childhood.
Many experts question how this practice may affect the development of personal identity.
A child who discovers a “digital footprint” of their childhood, created and managed by parents, may feel a lack of control over their own image.
Sharenting is a topic that many psychologists and researchers study, highlighting how early exposure on social media can affect self-perception and relationships with one’s body and image.
Some studies suggest that constant sharing of images can lead to stress and anxiety in children once they start understanding the value of privacy.
Sharenting: real-life examples and family impacts
Numerous examples of sharenting demonstrate how widespread and established this practice has become.
A quick scroll through an Instagram or Facebook feed reveals countless posts capturing private moments of children on social media, from birthdays to summer vacations.
Although many parents consider these shares an integral part of their online life, the real impact on children and adolescents can be significant.
Some well-known cases show that children, once grown, have asked to have their photos removed from the internet.
This shows how the phenomenon of sharenting can become a reason for real family conflicts, especially when parents are unaware of the long-term impact of these shares.
The most critical age appears to be around two years old, when children begin recognizing themselves in images and perceiving their presence on social media.
A real-life example: photos on social media – from family album to online showcase
A common example of sharenting is the posting of photos of one’s children in everyday contexts, such as birthday parties, family vacations, and even private moments at home.
These snapshots, once kept in family albums, are now displayed on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Many parents see this as a new way to share joy and memories, but they often don’t realize that each photo posted becomes part of the child’s digital footprint.
One real-life case of sharenting is Jessica, an American mother who created an entire blog dedicated to her child’s growth.
Over the years, however, her son, now a teenager, expressed discomfort knowing his most intimate moments were documented online without his consent.
This type of family conflict is not uncommon: many children and teens request the removal of their images from social media, feeling exposed or even betrayed by their parents.
The psychological impact of this phenomenon is real and can deeply affect family relationships.
How parents can share responsibly
To avoid the risks of sharenting, parents can adopt practices that protect their children’s privacy and security without completely giving up online sharing.
One strategy is to limit post visibility, making them accessible only to trusted people. Additionally, avoiding the sharing of detailed information about locations and dates can reduce identity theft risks.
Choosing which photos to post also plays an important role.
Example:
Images showing children in intimate family settings or in embarrassing moments might seem funny at the time but could be harmful in the future.
Choosing not to share overly personal moments or not constantly documenting children’s lives is an act of protection and respect for their privacy.
Lastly, a good practice can be discussing with children, once they are old enough, the photos intended for sharing, involving them in the decision-making process and helping them understand the value of their image and digital footprint.
Digital awareness: educating and protecting children
In an era where digital life is an integral part of daily experience, educating children about digital awareness is essential for preparing them to manage their online identity independently and responsibly.
While sharenting may seem harmless, it could infringe on a child’s right to build their own image without external imposition.
This awareness is also important for parents, who must recognize the importance of privacy and respect within their family.
Digital parenting involves new responsibilities and challenges, requiring thoughtful reflection on the implications of daily actions and their long-term consequences.
Questions and answers
- What is sharenting?
Sharenting is the practice of parents sharing photos and videos of their children on social media. - What does sharenting mean?
The term comes from “share” and “parenting,” referring to the online sharing of children’s content. - What are the risks of sharenting?
Risks include identity theft, privacy violation, and potential psychological harm to children. - Why do parents practice sharenting?
Many parents want to share special moments of their children with friends and family or create a digital memory. - What are the psychological impacts of sharenting?
It can affect a child’s self-perception and lead to anxiety or stress in later years. - How can the risks of sharenting be avoided?
Limiting post visibility, avoiding personal details, and involving children in decision-making are recommended practices. - At what age do children perceive their online presence?
Around two years old, children start recognizing themselves and perceiving their presence in photos. - Is sharenting always negative?
Not necessarily; responsible and mindful sharing can mitigate the associated risks. - What are examples of sharenting?
Photos of first steps, birthdays, or vacations are common examples shared by parents on social media. - How can children be educated on digital awareness?
By explaining the value of privacy, involving them in decisions, and teaching them to manage their online image.
