How Sharenting is Putting Kids in Severe Danger on Social Media
watch an in-depth video on sharenting here
In the age of social media, sharing aspects of our lives online has become second nature.
Parents, in particular, often share their children's milestones, achievements, and everyday moments with their social media networks. This practice, known as "sharenting," blends "sharing" and "parenting." While it might seem harmless, and even endearing, sharenting poses significant risks to children's safety and privacy.
This blog delves into the potential dangers of sharenting and explores how parents can protect their children in the digital age.
The Phenomenon of Sharenting
Sharenting has become a cultural norm, with parents posting pictures, videos, and anecdotes about their children on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
The motivations behind sharenting vary: some parents want to keep distant family members updated, others seek advice or support from their networks, and many simply want to celebrate their children's lives.
Privacy and Consent
One of the most pressing concerns about sharenting is the issue of privacy and consent. Children, especially young ones, cannot provide informed consent to having their lives documented online.
As they grow older, they may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about what has been shared. This lack of control over their digital footprint can have lasting consequences, including impacts on their self-esteem and personal relationships.
Digital Kidnapping
A more immediate and alarming danger of sharenting is the risk of digital kidnapping. This term refers to strangers stealing photos of children from social media profiles and reposting them as their own, often creating fake identities. These images can be used for various malicious purposes, from creating fictitious family profiles to more sinister activities.
Cyberbullying and Stalking
Sharenting also exposes children to the risk of cyberbullying and stalking.
When parents share details about their children's lives, such as their school, favorite activities, or daily routines, they inadvertently provide potential predators or bullies with valuable information.
Cyberbullies can exploit this information to harass or intimidate children, while stalkers can use it to locate and target them.
Identity Theft
In an increasingly digital world, identity theft is not limited to adults. Children's personal information, when shared online, can be harvested by identity thieves.
Since children typically have clean credit histories, their information is highly valuable. Thieves can use it to create fraudulent accounts, take out loans, or commit other forms of financial fraud, which can go undetected for years until the child reaches adulthood.
Long-Term Digital Footprint
Everything shared online creates a digital footprint, and for children, this footprint starts forming from a very young age if their parents engage in sharenting.
Future employers, colleges, and acquaintances may have access to this information, which could affect opportunities and personal relationships.
A seemingly innocent post today could have unforeseen repercussions years down the line.
Legal Implications
The legal landscape around sharenting is still evolving. In some countries, children are beginning to sue their parents for violating their privacy by posting pictures and details about their lives without consent.
As awareness grows, more legal frameworks may be developed to protect children's rights to privacy, potentially leading to legal consequences for parents who overshare.
Psychological Impact
Sharenting can also have psychological effects on children.
Constantly being in the spotlight, even on a small scale, can create pressure to perform or behave a certain way.
Children might feel they are always being watched or judged, which can contribute to anxiety and stress. Moreover, they might struggle with developing a sense of self-identity separate from their parents' online portrayal of them.
How to Practice Safe Sharenting
While the risks associated with sharenting are significant, parents can take steps to mitigate these dangers and protect their children:
Think Before You Post: Consider the long-term implications of sharing a particular photo or piece of information. Ask yourself if your child would be comfortable with this being public knowledge in the future.
Limit Audience: Use privacy settings to control who can see your posts. Consider sharing updates in private groups or messaging apps rather than on public platforms.
Avoid Personal Details: Refrain from sharing specific information that could be used to identify or locate your child, such as their full name, school, or home address.
Seek Consent: As children get older, involve them in the decision-making process about what is shared. Respect their wishes if they are uncomfortable with certain posts.
Educate Yourself and Your Children: Stay informed about the latest online safety practices and teach your children about the importance of privacy and responsible internet use.
Use Anonymity: If you want to share anecdotes or experiences, consider doing so without identifying your child. Use pseudonyms or avoid using names and faces altogether.
Conclusion
Sharenting, while often well-intentioned, carries significant risks that can impact children's safety, privacy, and well-being.
By being mindful of what and how they share, parents can protect their children from the dangers of the digital world.
As the online landscape continues to evolve, so too must our approach to safeguarding the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.
Balancing the desire to share with the need to protect is crucial in ensuring that children's rights and safety are not compromised in the age of social media.
