Many parents today share a lot of information about their children on the Internet. The term “sharenting” (parenting+sharing) is used to describe the practice of parents sharing pictures or videos of their children online, along with personal information like their full name, school location, and date of birth. This is done to stay connected with family and friends, seek advice, and support, or keep a digital record of their child’s growth and development. However, this behaviour can put children at risk when their personal information is shared online.
Sharenting raises several concerns, such as privacy issues, digital footprints, security risks, and cyberbullying. It is important for parents to be aware of these dangers and take steps to protect their children’s privacy and safety online. Here are some suggestions for parents to minimise the risks associated with sharenting:
You can respect your children’s privacy and independence by asking for their consent before sharing any content about them on the internet.
It is important to be mindful of the type and quantity of information you share, avoiding any sensitive or identifying details.
You should also review and adjust the privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can view the shared content.
It is recommended that you regularly monitor and manage your children’s digital footprints by removing or limiting any outdated or potentially risky content.