We all know someone who exposes their entire life on social networks, and we all also know someone who does this, with the theme of their family and children. The truth is that I recognize the value that these influencers have, of using their experiences, whether good or bad, although they are almost always quite perfect, to help other parents. But the issue of sharing the image of minors on social networks, from an age in which they are not aware of what is happening, is a controversial issue. Here you will see some reasons why you should think carefully before posting photos of the little ones in the house on social networks. Discover everything about Sharenting.
Without a doubt, it is one of the new topics that have emerged with the arrival of social networks. The consequences that it can have for minors to find that their entire life has been shared since they were babies, when they reach adolescence or adulthood, is beginning to make it necessary to address the issue of sharenting. Here’s a good explanation that shows you why you should think twice before sharing photos of your children on social media.
What is sharenting and why should you care?
Sharing photos and videos of your children on social networks has become very common. Parents want their friends and family to see how much their little ones have grown and feel part of their lives. However, this practice has gone beyond a simple display of affection, and can bring risks that often go unnoticed. For example, by creating a “digital footprint” of your children, you are creating an online identity for them that they may not like in the future.
Your children’s digital footprint begins to grow from the first moment you share something about them on networks. According to studies, in many cases children already have an online presence even before they are born, with ultrasounds shared by their parents. And, while it’s nice to document every stage of your life, it’s important to consider whether the children themselves would want or agree to these posts once they grow up.
Privacy and security: two sides of the coin
Posting photos of our children without thinking about the consequences can compromise their privacy and security in ways we may not imagine. Some points to consider:
- Possible privacy risks: What you upload to the network today, stays there forever. By sharing information about your life, you could be revealing details that others, with bad intentions, could take advantage of. Even if you set your account so that only friends or family can see your posts, you never have complete control over who can see or use those images.
- Vulnerability to fraud: By revealing information such as their name, age, school or places they frequent, parents open the door for this data to be used in identity theft activities or even fraud. Various studies estimate that, by 2030, sharenting could be responsible for millions of cases of identity theft. Can you imagine your child in the future having trouble opening a bank account or applying for a loan because of something you posted today?
Image rights and respect for your privacy
Children also have the right to privacy, and that includes deciding whether or not they want their photos to be on the internet. Under data protection laws, your image rights are protected, and parents have a responsibility to respect those rights. Posting images of your children without their consent could lead to conflicts in the future, especially if they consider those moments to be intimate or private.
Practical tips for safer sharenting
It is not about completely eliminating the practice of sharing on networks, but about doing it in a more conscious way. Here are some tips for you to protect their privacy while enjoying sharing their achievements and special moments:
- Set your accounts private: Limit who can see your posts and check permissions from time to time. This reduces the chances of images reaching unwanted people.
- Avoid details that could identify them: Don’t reveal information such as their location, the school they attend, or their full name. Better yet, consider using photos where you can’t see them directly, such as when they have their back turned or playing without showing their face.
- Think before you post: Ask yourself if that photo you are about to share is something your child would like to see on the internet when he or she grows up. If the answer is no, then think twice.
- Involve your children in the decision: If they are old enough, give them the opportunity to decide whether or not they want you to share something of theirs. This teaches them about the importance of privacy and helps them have control over their digital identity.
- Avoid using photos on public profiles: If you openly use networks or are a public figure, it is better to avoid exposing your children. Public profiles, especially on networks such as Instagram or Facebook, can make it easier for unknown people to access these images.
Think about the future of your digital footprint
Sharing family moments is one of the wonders of the digital age, but when it comes to our children, a little more responsibility is needed. The digital footprint you create for them today can influence their future lives in ways we don’t yet fully understand. Every image, every piece of data, can become permanent on the network, even after being deleted.
Protecting your privacy and digital identity is a sign of love and respect. Before you upload that next photo, remember: their stories belong to them.
