Let’s explain to you what is the practice of sharentingso that if you come across this term you know exactly what they mean. It has to do with things that parents do today, and is related to sharing their children’s content on social networks.
And after explaining this concept to you, which you will see is something very easy to understand, we are going to tell you what are the privacy risks of sharenting in an uncontrolled way, and how you can avoid many of them.
What is sharenting?
The term sharenting is a combination of the words share and parenting . It literally signifies a modern approach to co-parenting, adapted to our technological environment .
When we refer to sharenting , we speak about instances where parents share information about their children on social networks, ranging from photographs and videos to various forms of personal information.
Generally, parents engage in this practice with good intentions, aiming to update family and friends on their children’s milestones and daily activities. However, sharing this information indiscriminately can jeopardize the child’s privacy both in the short-term and long-term.
What dangers can it have for children?
Uncontrolled sharenting without safety guidelines poses significant dangers for your child. It’s crucial to recognize that everything you share publicly is accessible to anyone, which could leave the door open for unsolicited attention or potential harm.
This lack of control can lead to the misuse of images or videos you share. Photos can easily be shared or manipulated, often for inappropriate contexts, and may find their way onto unsafe websites.
Moreover, there exists a tangible security risk for minors. Exposing their routines, locations, and even names can facilitate online harassment, stalking, or phishing attempts.
In less extreme cases, you may inadvertently create a digital footprint for your children without their consent. This can influence their future personal and professional lives , and as they grow older, they might feel embarrassed or uncomfortable with the public exposure orchestrated by their parents.
How to avoid some of these dangers
The initial step towards safer sharenting is understanding that what you share on social networks is public by default. If your child is old enough, ask them for permission to share their image, teaching them about personal privacy and the right to control their own likeness.
Additionally, it is prudent to review the privacy settings of your social networks. On platforms like Facebook, you can adjust settings to make your content visible only to friends, while on Instagram, you can utilize features like “Close Friends” for more restricted sharing.
Another critical step is to avoid showing your child’s face in shared photos. You can opt for images that feature just their hands or focus on angles that preserve their identity and maintain their privacy.
Furthermore, make sure to avoid sharing personal data, including full names, home addresses, or school names. Such details can be exploited for harassment or identity theft.
It’s also essential to refrain from sharing compromising photos—like those involving uniforms, swimsuits, or moments of more intimate nature—that could attract unwanted attention.
Lastly, always think long-term. Before you publish a photo or information, consider how your child—and you—might feel about this content being publicly accessible in the years to come.
With ongoing awareness and adhering to safety guidelines, we can ensure that the joys of sharenting don’t come at the expense of our children’s safety and privacy. By taking these precautions, parents can enjoy sharing their lives while also protecting their children from potential harm.