Sharenting: Should We Share Images Of Our Kids On Social Media?

Being a parent today means grappling with technology in a way no other generation has had to, and there’s no clear roadmap to follow. We have to make decisions about how our kids should use screens, when to let our kids start to use social media or get a phone, and when—or if—we should post about our kids on social media ourselves.

It’s natural to want to share fun photos or videos of your kids with your friends and family online, but it’s also important to do so in a way that keeps your kids safe and respects their privacy. “Sharenting”—parents sharing a high volume of family-related content on social media—has become increasingly common, and it’s important to think carefully about the potential implications of sharing photos and stories of your children online.

What are the risks of sharenting?

While it’s wonderful to connect with loved ones and share the joys—and struggles—of parenthood online, there are some risks associated with sharenting to be mindful of:

Privacy concerns

Once something is shared online, it can be very difficult to control who sees it and how it’s used. Even if you have strict privacy settings, photos and information about your children could be shared or copied by others or even end up in the hands of data brokers or companies that use this information for marketing or other purposes.

Digital footprint

Children and even teens don't fully understand what it means to consent to having their images and stories shared online. This content can create a digital footprint that follows them into adulthood and could have implications for their future opportunities, relationships, and online identities. Photos or videos that are cute when a child is five may be highly embarrassing if they resurface when they’re fifteen!

Exploitation

In extreme cases, photos and videos of children can be misused by individuals with harmful intentions. While thankfully rare, this is a serious concern that all parents should be aware of.

Family dynamics

It’s important to remember that what you share online can impact your family relationships. Some family members may not appreciate having their photos or stories shared publicly, and it’s important to respect their wishes.

Attitudes towards privacy

Finally, keep in mind that kids learn more from what we do than from anything we say. If we’re in the habit of posting photos or videos of them without asking their permission, they’ll get the idea that they don’t need to ask their friends, classmates, and (eventually) romantic partners before sharing photos or videos of them.

Tips for mindful sharenting

Before sharing any photo or story about your child, take a moment to consider the potential implications. Ask yourself:

Who is my audience?

Adjust your privacy settings to reflect who you are comfortable sharing this content with, making sure you have them set so that only people you allow to follow you can see your posts. Consider using more private platforms like family group chats or photo-sharing apps instead of public social media.

What message am I sending?

Is this photo or story something my child would be happy with me sharing now and in the future? Is it something that might embarrass them? Would I want this shared about me? Those are all great questions to ask before posting.

Am I oversharing?

Sometimes it’s best to keep some family moments private. Remember, you can always share special moments with close friends and family in person or through more private channels.

Have I talked to my kids?

It's a great practice to ask your kids before you post a photo of them online. Tell them who you expect will see it and what steps you’re taking (like using privacy tools or settings) to limit who else can see it. Even young children can be involved in discussions about online sharing, but they may not understand what it means to share photos on social media. As they get older, have ongoing conversations about what information is appropriate to share online, and respect their wishes if they don’t want something shared.

Is there a way I can post while protecting my kid’s privacy?

Some people decide to share photos with their children’s faces covered with an emoji, or from angles where you can’t see their faces.

Am I modelling good digital citizenship?

Your kids are watching and learning from you! Be mindful of your own online behaviour and the messages you’re sending about privacy and respect online.

Remember, your family values should guide your online sharing. It's okay to push back against the pressure to present a perfect image of family life online. Authentic, respectful sharing that prioritizes your children's well-being is what matters most. By being thoughtful and informed about sharenting, you can enjoy the benefits of connecting online while protecting your children’s privacy and digital future.