The Risks of ‘Sharenting’ on Social Media #

As National Daughters Day and National Sons Day approach, many parents may be tempted to share pictures of their children on social media. However, this practice, known as ‘sharenting,’ can pose potential risks to children.

Potential Dangers #

Bullying #

Some teenagers worry that schoolmates might use pictures posted by their parents to make fun of them. With most bullying now occurring on phones, embarrassing photos can be easily shared in group chats to humiliate someone.

Future Consequences #

Photos shared now could be used out of context in the future. For example, goofy childhood photos might resurface during a political campaign, potentially damaging a candidate’s image.

Criminal Attention #

There’s a risk that shared images could attract the attention of criminals. Photos might be reposted on inappropriate websites, or information about a child’s school or bus stop could be used by predators.

Impact on Children’s Development #

Constant posing for social media photos may teach children to seek external validation, which has been associated with anxiety and depression symptoms. This can be particularly problematic for girls, as it may reinforce the idea that their value is tied to their appearance and ability to please an audience.

Responsible Sharing Practices #

While not all sharenting is harmful, parents can take steps to minimize risks:

1. Use private accounts and only approve known contacts.
2. Verify friend requests offline.
3. Consider using emojis to cover children’s faces in public posts.
4. Avoid sharing potentially embarrassing content.
5. Limit the types of information shared, such as birthplaces or school names.
6. For sensitive topics, consider using anonymous accounts.

Conclusion #

While parents often worry about their children’s social media use, it’s important to recognize that some online dangers can stem from parental behavior. Responsible sharenting practices can help protect children’s privacy and well-being in the digital age.