Do you know what the term “sharenting” means? Today, I will give you information and we will dig deeper into what sharing is and how it can cause harm to your children.
Nowadays, parents enjoy taking photos and videos of their children and sharing them on social media platforms.
So that they could document their children’s memories while growing up. But are you aware of the consequences and dangers that sharenting can bring to you and your children?
In this article, you’ll read:
- what exactly is sharenting
- how it may harm you and your child
- ways to safely post your child’s online
- how to overcome a sharenting addiction
- How to Teach Your Children About Online Security
What is Sharenting?
Sharenting’ is a slang term for the words ‘sharing’ and ‘parenting’
Sharenting is a term that refers to parents who share content about their children on social media. It is a worldwide phenomenon in which parents share photos, videos, and other personal information about their children on social media platforms.
The majority of the children have accused their parents of posting their images on various social media platforms without their permission. Too much personal information puts their safety, privacy, self-image, and social life at risk.
How sharenting may harm you and your child?
Naked, underwear, and other embarrassing photos
According to surveys, roughly 40% of parents see nothing wrong with posting photos of their children wearing (or not wearing) underwear or having a gentle massage time not only on their private accounts but also on social platforms where these photos will be public.
Be aware that not everyone who sees these photos finds them adorable, and this is quite concerning, but many adults intend to use them for “cyberbullying.”
Giving information
When parents share photos of their children on public platforms, there is a risk that this content will appear on paedophilia-related websites, as well as a high likelihood of the disclosure of children’s data: full name, age, location, and so on.
Many photographs contain ‘hints’ as to where children live, revealing their daily routines and place of residence. Malicious users can easily determine the family’s financial situation and use that information to commit a crime.
Sharenting: Ways to safely post your child’s online
Examine your privacy settings
It is best to pay attention to the privacy settings on all social media platforms, whether Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Privacy concerns will keep you informed of who can see, save, or repost your content.
Your photos can be re-posted by family and friends who follow your account. You can request that they not save or use your children’s photos without your permission.
You should also remind them to get your permission before saving or sharing any photos of your child.
Ask for their permission
To protect your children’s privacy, you must obtain their permission before sharing their photos. If a child understands his or her rights, their consent is required.
You must respect their decision if they ask you not to share a specific photo or any photos of them at all. To make it a fun activity, have your child choose pictures that they like and tell you where they want them posted.
How to overcome a sharenting addiction?
You may become addicted to sharing every detail about your children. Later on, this addiction could lead to serious problems.
Try to strike a balance between sharing and oversharing. Share unnecessary posts. Before you share anything, make sure you understand the platform’s and your viewers’ privacy policies.
Stop receiving notifications and check your phone to see who viewed your content. You will be able to overcome addiction this way.
How to teach your children about online security?
Teach them to be aware of what they share.
The first thing parents must understand is that they must be careful about what they post on social media. The risk can be avoided by using the internet and social media platforms responsibly.
Parents can teach their children what to share and what to keep private.
Sharing personal information such as their full name and location can lead to danger in their lives and mental health. Paedophiles can approach them easily.
Cyber-Safety
Although Social media is an essential part of our lives it does not mean that to overshare information. Oversharing your photos and other information can make them an easy target so have a cyber-safety in case of any inconvenience.
Using strong passwords on mobile devices and other social media apps can reduce the risk.
Many parents are savvy on the Internet. They don’t follow online privacy tips themselves. Ensure you’re a good mentor for your kids by guarding your privacy.
Also read: How to Use Social Media Wisely and Effectively?