Social media platforms play a significant role in many households, with photos and videos often shared not just about oneself but also about children, who have no say in the matter. This intense practice of 'sharenting' can lead to children accumulating around 70,000 posts about themselves online by the age of 18.
This phenomenon can have negative effects on young adults, as many parents, who have grown up with modern technology, may overlook the long-term consequences of their online actions. Approximately 41% of parents engage in sharenting, publicly showcasing their offspring.
On average, around 70 images per child are uploaded each year, often with just a click from family albums stored in the cloud or smartphones. Children are frequently not consulted, despite surveys indicating that they prefer less personal information about themselves online.
The extensive information shared can have detrimental effects on children in the future. Parents must understand that once data is uploaded to the internet, it leaves a digital footprint that cannot be erased. This is one reason to carefully consider how many posts are shared and the nature of the images and videos.
What seems funny or cute today could lead to embarrassing moments in the future. Photos that clearly identify children, especially in personal settings like beaches or pools, should be avoided.
Cyberbullying is an increasingly serious issue, with studies showing that over 60% of teenagers report experiencing it. The numbers are rising, particularly among adolescents who are still forming their identities and are sensitive to external judgments.
Intensive sharenting can increase the risk of cyberbullying, as each published post expands the potential for attacks. Additionally, personal and sensitive information can quickly lead to identity theft, with 66% of identity theft cases linked to sharenting content. Cybercriminals are increasingly inventive in this area.
For many parents and children, a conflict arises between the desire to showcase their happiness and the need to respect their children's privacy. A digital detox to reduce excessive social media use is a crucial first step. Recognizing the impact of these posts on children's lives can motivate parents to limit their online sharing.
The well-being of children should always come before parents' public image. Initially, this means posting less frequently and avoiding images that show children's faces. Once children are old enough to express their opinions, parents should seek their consent before uploading photos and respect their wishes.