The Impact of 'Sharenting': Striking a Balance Between Information Sharing and Privacy

In today's digital landscape, many parents share news, photos, and details about their children online, a practice commonly known as "sharenting." While sharenting can provide a connection with friends and family, concerns arise regarding privacy violations and potential risks to children.

Parents' Motivations for Sharenting:

Social Connection: Sharenting serves as a bridge for parents to connect with family and friends, bridging physical distances and providing a platform for sharing joys and milestones.

Pride and Communication: Sharing children's achievements and accomplishments allows parents to express pride and keep loved ones updated.

Staying in Touch: In an era of digital communication, sharenting helps parents maintain connections with loved ones who live afar.

Risks of Oversharing:

Privacy Violation: Sharing personal information, such as health issues, school performance, or whereabouts, can compromise children's privacy and potentially lead to identity theft or embarrassment.

Digital Identity Development: Parents play a role in shaping children's digital identities, which may impact their self-perception and online presence. Embarrassing or inappropriate posts can lead to bullying or affect college or job prospects in the future.

Friction with Adolescents: As children develop their identities and online presence, sharenting may create tension if parents have already established an online identity for them. This can lead to withholding information from parents.

Navigating Responsible Sharenting:

• Thoughtful Consideration Before Posting: Evaluate the goal, audience, and potential consequences before sharing. When in doubt, refrain from posting or limit the audience.

• Safeguarding Privacy: Avoid sharing negative, critical, or revealing information about your child, as it violates their privacy and may have lasting repercussions.

• Anonymous Support: Seek out parental support groups where you can post anonymously, protecting your and your child's identity.

• Respect for Your Child's Consent: As your child grows, seek their permission before posting about them. Respect their wishes if they say "no."

• Apologies for Mistakes: If your child is upset about something you posted, apologize and rebuild trust by deleting the post together.

• Open Dialogue: Discuss responsible sharenting with your child, considering their developmental level. Educate them about privacy and potential risks.

• Limited Overexposure: As your child reaches adolescence and forms their own identity, limit what you share about them to allow them to develop their online presence independently.

• Protecting Personal Information: Avoid sharing your child's full name, address, or other sensitive information that could be exploited for malicious purposes.

• Utilizing Privacy Settings: Take advantage of social media privacy features to control who sees your posts.

By engaging in thoughtful sharenting and prioritizing your child's privacy and well-being, parents can mitigate risks and positively impact their children's digital experiences.