Know the risks of sharenting
In today's digital age, proud parents often share photos of their children on social media, celebrating milestones, achievements, and everyday moments. But this practice, commonly referred to as "sharenting," carries several potential risks that may affect children as they grow older.
For one, sharing children's photos online can expose them to privacy violations. Photos can be downloaded, altered, and misused by strangers. Additionally, information such as a child's name, age, and location can be used for identity theft or other malicious activities.
As children grow, they may find certain images embarrassing or harmful to their self-esteem. These images can shape their digital identity in ways that might not align with their self-perception as they mature.
Speaking of digital identities, sharenting also creates a digital footprint for your children that can unintentionally limit their ability to control their own narratives and digital identities. This can affect future opportunities, such as college admissions or job prospects, as decision-makers might use available online information to form judgments.
Can children sue their parents over what’s shared online?
These outcomes have given rise to potential lawsuits where children seek to sue their parents for damages from sharenting.
Of course, children’s ability to sue their parents for sharing photos without consent is complex and varies by jurisdiction. But generally children may have legal grounds if they can demonstrate that the sharing caused significant harm or violated their privacy rights.
Legal precedents are still evolving in this area, but here are some potential legal avenues being examined.
Privacy laws
Many jurisdictions have privacy laws that protect individuals from unauthorized use of their images. If a child can prove that their privacy was invaded and that this invasion caused harm, they may have a case against their parents.
Data protection regulations
Regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe provide robust protections for personal data. Under such regulations, individuals have the right to request the removal of their data from the internet, which could extend to photos shared by parents without consent.
Emotional distress claims
In some cases, children might be able to file claims for emotional distress if they can show that the shared images caused significant psychological harm.
Advice for parents
As parents, we naturally want to share the joy and pride we feel for our children by posting photos online. But we must exercise common sense and responsible judgment when doing so. Here are a few key principles to keep in mind:
Think before you post — Consider the long-term impact of the photos you share. What might seem cute or funny today could be embarrassing or damaging to your child in the future. Use discretion to ensure that your posts respect your child's privacy and dignity.
Privacy settings matter — Make use of the privacy settings available on social media platforms to control who can view your posts. Limit access to trusted family and friends, and avoid sharing photos that reveal personal details such as your child's full name, location, or school.
Consent and communication — As your children grow older, involve them in the decision-making process about what gets posted online. Teaching them about digital privacy and seeking their consent helps them understand and manage their own digital footprint.
Lead by example — By being mindful and responsible about what you share, you set a positive example for your children about the importance of privacy and respectful online behavior. This not only protects them now but also teaches them valuable lessons for the future.
Ultimately, being a good parent in the digital age means balancing the desire to share precious moments with the need to protect your child's privacy and future well-being. By thinking ahead, you can enjoy sharing your child's milestones while safeguarding their digital identity.
