As a parent, I capture countless moments of my kids’ lives. In today’s digital age, I also share many of those moments on social media. Being a parenting blogger, I might post more frequently than most, and, humorously, my “fame” even stretches to Canada! But should I reconsider this practice?
A recent article on NPR highlighted the risks of “sharenting”—the act of sharing information about our children online. It also pointed out that kids are increasingly voicing their concerns over their parents’ online sharing habits. At a meeting held by the American Academy of Pediatrics, experts, including Sarah Johnson, a law professor, and Mark Lee, a pediatrician, mentioned a study that surveyed parents and their children about technology rules in the family. Interestingly, while parents felt fine without any regulations, kids expressed their desire for more privacy regarding their online presence.
At first glance, this may seem silly. I’m the adult here, after all! I have a six-year-old and a toddler. How can they possibly know better? However, it’s essential to recognize that these kids are growing up in a world where online sharing is the norm. They’re likely to have a better understanding of the implications of technology than we do. As parents, we need to lead by example and show them how to navigate this landscape safely.
That said, we should definitely reflect on what we share online. Concerns about identity theft, bullying, and even “digital kidnapping” (where someone impersonates your child online) should not be taken lightly. It’s crucial to listen to our children’s feelings about what is shared.
I’m not against sharing moments from my kids’ lives. After all, I have a parenting blog and a social media presence that thrives on these experiences. I even believe in using their funny or embarrassing moments to my advantage in the future (hello, teenage years!). However, I do my best to keep potentially harmful content private.
When it comes to sharing my kids’ lives, I don’t feel it’s an invasion of privacy. But as they grow and become more aware of their own boundaries, if they ask me not to share something, I’ll certainly respect their wishes—though I might sneak in a post without their knowledge later on.
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In summary, sharing our children’s photos online is a complex issue. While I don’t see it as an invasion of privacy, it’s essential to remain mindful of our kids’ feelings and to guide them through this digital age.