As a parent, I find myself snapping countless photos of my little ones. In this age of social media, it’s almost second nature to share those moments online. As a parenting blogger, I might be posting more photos than most, and with my modest fame (at least one person from Canada mentioned it!), a significant number of my followers are strangers.
But should I reconsider my choices?
A recent discussion on NPR.org brought to light the issues surrounding “sharenting” – the practice of sharing content about your children online. During a meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics, two experts, Sarah Johnson from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and David Smith, a pediatric assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine, pointed out a revealing study. They surveyed 249 pairs of parents and children about their views on “family technology rules.” Surprisingly, the kids expressed a desire for more privacy, while the parents felt they had it all under control.
On one hand, this might seem a bit ridiculous. I’m the adult here! With a 6-year-old and a toddler, I certainly believe I know better than my kids, and even if I don’t, they’re not old enough to dictate my actions. So, no, I’m not about to let them decide what I can or cannot share. But here’s the catch: maybe they have a point.
Today’s children are growing up in a digital landscape dominated by social media and diminishing privacy. As they navigate this world, they’ll likely understand its nuances and consequences far better than we do now. However, they still require guidance, especially when they’re young. Telling kids how to behave is one thing, but demonstrating appropriate behavior is entirely different.
In light of this, it’s essential for parents to evaluate what they share online about their families. Concerns such as identity theft, cyberbullying, and even something called “digital kidnapping” – where someone falsely claims your child as their own – are real threats we shouldn’t ignore. It’s crucial to be mindful of these risks and to start listening to our children’s perspectives.
I’m no prude; I run a parenting blog and a growing social media presence that thrives on the amusing antics of my kids. I love sharing their adorable, funny, and occasionally exasperating moments. I’ll even admit that I enjoy the idea of having some embarrassing tales in my back pocket for when they hit those teenage years. However, I recognize that not everything needs to be shared online. After all, a secret weapon is most effective when it remains a secret, right? I’m careful not to post anything that could endanger my kids’ well-being.
When it comes to my “sharenting,” I don’t view it as an invasion of privacy, but I also acknowledge that this is not solely my decision. If, as my children mature and develop their own sense of privacy, they express a wish for me to refrain from sharing a specific photo or story, I will honor that request. And yes, I might still sneakily share it later because, let’s face it, Daddy needs those HITS!
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In summary, while sharing photos of my kids online doesn’t feel like a violation of their privacy to me, it’s crucial to listen to their feelings on the matter as they grow older. Balancing our desire to share family moments with their need for privacy is a delicate dance, one that every parent must navigate thoughtfully.
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