Looking at this generation, social media has drastically changed the ways that people capture life events. Thanks to the Internet, parents, especially those raising kids, have seized the moment and each shares cute and personal triumphs of their darling kids online. Although called as sharenting, this could at times be a beautiful way of interacting with the family and friends who stay far away. But the practice should be done with a plan and the best intention of actually safeguarding the child’s information.
The Allure and Allure of Sharenting
Publishing images and videos of our children is very stimulating at times. It allows us to:
- Connect with loved ones: Just like reading to grandparents, aunts, uncles or friends who may not be part of the daily routine brings a form of relatedness or happiness.
- Document precious memories: Social media platforms put together a compilation of childhood memories with which people can relive those moments after several years.
- Build a sense of community: Most online parent-focused groups provide a platform for parents to discuss their experiences, seek support, and thus develop friendship.
However, sharenting also has risks on the negative side.
Challenges and Considerations
Before hitting that “post” button, it’s important to consider some of the challenges associated with sharenting:
- Privacy Concerns: The young children in particular do not have the mental capacity to comprehend consent in terms of the share of their image or information in cyberspace.According to CG’s blog post, A Parent’s Guide to Sharenting Allowing Kids to Over-Share can do More Harm Than Good: The future implications.
- Safety Risks: Basic information such as your child’s location or even their full name put them in a compromising position with child predators or identity thieves.
- Social Pressure: Often, to maintain the image of the happy families assembled on Facebook, people feel strained and disappointed with their lives.
Striking a Balance: Tips for Mindful Sharenting
However, if proper strategies are taken and precautions observed it is possible for sharenting to be an overall positive activity. Here are some tips to help you strike a balance:
- Get Your Child’s Consent (When Appropriate): Foreign policy social media react for example, promote your family environment to get your child involved with decision to deter ignorance as your child grows older. If someone objects to something that is being posted, it should be respected and removed.
- Think Before You Post: In relation to sharing a particular image or video, ask yourself what could happen if an image or video is shared. Would you like it if this information about yourself could be accessed on an endless number of websites too?
- Focus on the Moment, Not the Likes: Do not focus on achieving the most visually content-postable shot but cherish and catch the beauty of the process.
- Limit Geolocation and Personal Information: DO NOT post location or the child’s full name in any photos.
- Choose Privacy Settings Wisely: Ensure to check your social network account’s privacy settings so as to prevent any stranger from viewing your child information.
Expanding Your Perspective
Sharenting has various consequences let alone the safety aspects in the long run.
- The Digital Footprint: The internet never forgets. Imagine now you take a friendly snapshot; later your child may be ashamed of that photo.
- Future Opportunities: Excessive sharing could harm your child’s chances of being accepted to college and employment opportunities or socially.
- Agency and Control: What you are doing is building an online story around your child’s life. Again, for how long will they be able to have their own say and determine how their images are being depicted on social networks?
Sharenting is the decision-making process which can help create beautiful memories and stay connected with the closest ones. One can share one’s accomplishments in a way that is wholesome and safe for one’s childhood by keeping things balanced and protecting one’s child’s identity.
