A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
“Sharenting Risks and Tips: Protecting Your Child’s Privacy Online”
“Discover the risks of sharenting, including identity theft and cyberbullying. Learn actionable tips to safeguard your child’s privacy while sharing responsibly on social media.”
Introduction: What Is Sharenting?
In an era where social media dominates our communication, many parents share stories, photos, and videos of their children online—a practice known as sharenting. While it fosters connections with family and friends, sharenting also raises significant concerns about privacy, security, and consent. This guide explores the risks associated with sharenting, provides actionable advice for parents, and highlights how to protect children’s digital footprints.
The Prevalence of Sharenting
Key Statistics:
- 77% of parents share images or stories about their children on social media
- 81% of parents use their child’s real name in posts
- Nearly 24% of parents have public social media accounts, exposing posts to strangers
These figures underscore how common sharenting is and its potential exposure risks.
The Risks of Sharenting
1. Identity Theft
Children’s personal information—names, birthdates, or even photos—can be exploited by cybercriminals for identity theft. Research shows that 14% of U.S. children have already experienced identity theft
Public posts can inadvertently provide enough data for malicious actors to commit fraud.
How to Mitigate This Risk:
- Avoid sharing full names, birthdates, or location details.
- Regularly review privacy settings on all social platforms.
2. Cyberbullying
Embarrassing or overly personal posts can make children targets for cyberbullying. Studies reveal that children active on social media are more likely to experience bullying, with platforms like Snapchat showing the highest correlation
How to Mitigate This Risk:
- Share neutral or positive content that doesn’t risk humiliation.
- Monitor your child’s online interactions for signs of bullying.
3. Digital Kidnapping
Photos of children posted online can be stolen and used without permission in fake profiles or inappropriate contexts—a phenomenon known as digital kidnapping.
How to Mitigate This Risk:
- Add watermarks to photos.
- Restrict visibility to trusted friends and family only.
4. Consent Issues
Only 24% of parents consistently ask their children for permission before posting about them
Teens often express discomfort with posts shared without their consent.
How to Mitigate This Risk:
- Involve your child in decisions about what is shared.
- Teach them about digital privacy from an early age.
Best Practices for Responsible Sharenting
1. Understand Privacy Settings
Familiarize yourself with the privacy settings of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Opt for private accounts where only approved followers can view your content.
2. Limit Personal Identifiers
Avoid sharing:
- Full names
- School names or uniforms
- Specific locations (e.g., playgrounds or homes)
3. Use Secure Platforms
Choose platforms with robust security features and encryption. Consider using apps designed specifically for family sharing.
4. Educate Yourself on Digital Footprints
Every post contributes to your child’s online presence. Be mindful of how this might affect them in the future—whether it’s college admissions or job opportunities.
Addressing FAQs About Sharenting
Is it wrong to post about your child on social media?
It’s not inherently wrong but should be done thoughtfully. Prioritize your child’s privacy and safety over likes or shares.
Can you stop someone from posting pictures of your child?
Legally, you may request removal if the content violates privacy laws or is used commercially without consent.
What are the long-term impacts of sharenting?
Oversharing can lead to reputational harm or unintended consequences as children grow older and develop their own digital identities.
Current Trends in Sharenting
With growing awareness about online safety, some parents are adopting “minimal sharenting” practices:
- Sharing fewer posts overall.
- Using pseudonyms instead of real names.
- Creating private family groups for photo sharing.
Additionally, new tools like AI-powered facial recognition raise concerns about how children’s images could be misused in the future.
Actionable Tips for Parents
- Set Boundaries: Decide what types of content are off-limits (e.g., bath photos).
- Audit Your Followers: Remove followers you don’t know personally.
- Use Alternatives: Share updates via private messaging apps instead of public platforms.
- Stay Updated: Follow cybersecurity experts and parenting blogs for the latest safety tips.
External Sources
- National Cybersecurity Alliance (staysafeonline.org) – For tips on online safety.
- Common Sense Media (commonsensemediora.org) – Guidance on responsible technology use.
- Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov) – Resources on identity theft prevention.
Conclusion: Balancing Connection and Caution
Sharenting offers a way to celebrate milestones and stay connected with loved ones but comes with significant responsibilities. By understanding the risks and adopting best practices, parents can protect their children’s privacy while still enjoying the benefits of sharing online responsibly.