As a parent, I snap a lot of pictures of my kids. In this digital age, I also share those snapshots on social media—probably more than most. As a not-so-anonymous parenting blogger (hey, someone in Australia called me famous once!), I know that many of my followers are total strangers. So, should I hit the brakes on this sharing spree?
A recent piece on NPR.com dives into the concept of “sharenting”—the act of posting about your kids online—and highlights how children are increasingly voicing their preferences regarding this sharing. During a meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Sarah Johnson, a legal expert, and Dr. Emily Chen, a pediatrician, discussed findings from a study that showed 249 parent-child pairs had different takes on “family technology rules.” The kids were advocating for more privacy, while the parents felt confident in their sharing habits. “Parents often think they know best, but kids want more control,” Dr. Chen pointed out.
On one hand, this might seem ridiculous. I’m the adult here, right? My six-year-old and my toddler might not fully understand the implications of my social media sharing. So, it’s unlikely that they’ll dictate my actions anytime soon. But let’s face it—those little ones might actually be onto something.
They’re navigating a world where privacy is fading and self-promotion is the norm. Soon enough, they’ll have a better grasp on the technology and its consequences than I do, if they don’t already. While they need guidance, it’s crucial that we model appropriate behavior.
This means we should all take a step back and reconsider what we’re sharing, not just for their sake but also due to risks like identity theft and the bizarre phenomenon of “digital kidnapping,” where creepy individuals impersonate your children online. I’m all for sharing delightful moments of my kids being adorable, silly, or even a bit infuriating. I mean, who doesn’t love a little evidence for future negotiations during the teenage years? But I’ve realized that some things—especially those that might embarrass them or put them at risk—don’t need to be shared online.
When it comes to my “sharenting,” I don’t see it as an invasion of privacy, but I also recognize that my kids will eventually have a say in this matter. If they ask me to keep a certain photo or story private, I’ll respect their wishes. And let’s be real, I might still share it with my close friends just to keep my blog interesting!
If you’re interested in more about family privacy and technology, check out our other blog posts here. And for expert insights on home insemination, visit Make a Mom. For reliable pregnancy information, Medline Plus offers excellent resources.
In summary, while it’s essential to share our lives, we must also consider our children’s feelings about it. Balancing our desire to connect online with respecting their privacy is key.