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The way we share our lives online has transformed parenting in the digital age. From adorable baby photos to milestone updates, sharing these precious moments is almost second nature. But have you ever stopped to think about how this could affect your child’s future? Sharenting—the act of sharing your child’s life on social media—is more than just a way to connect with friends and family. It creates a lasting digital footprint for your child, shaping their digital identity before they even understand what it means. This article delves into the concept of sharenting, its impact on a child’s digital footprint, and why mindful sharing is crucial in safeguarding your child’s future.
What is Sharenting?
Sharenting, a blend of “sharing” and “parenting,” is when parents or guardians post information, images, and videos of their children on social media and other online platforms. While sharing these moments can feel like a wonderful way to celebrate milestones or stay connected with loved ones, it’s essential to consider how this impacts a child’s digital identity and privacy.
What is Digital Identity?
Digital identity is the collection of data and information about an individual that exists online. This can include usernames, social media profiles, and any shared content. For children, their digital identity often begins with what their parents post before they’re old enough to create their own online presence.
What is Digital Footprint?
A digital footprint is the trail of information that individuals leave behind during their online activities. This includes social media posts, website visits, and shared content. A digital footprint can be accessed by advertisers, data brokers, and even cybercriminals, creating a lasting record that could have future implications for a person’s life.
How Does Sharenting Affect Your Child’s Digital Footprint?
1. Digital Footprint Before Birth
Sharenting often begins before a child is even born. Parents share ultrasound images, updates about pregnancy milestones, and even details of doctor visits on social media. These posts create a digital identity for the child long before their birth. From baby bump progress photos to detailed captions, this information allows anyone, including strangers, to follow the development of an unborn child.
2. Born and Bred on Social Media
By the time many children are a year old, they already have a digital presence, with research indicating that 92% of children have some form of online profile (source). Parents often share personal details such as the child’s full name, date of birth, and photos from the hospital. As children grow, parents frequently post updates, pictures, and videos documenting milestones. This accumulation of shared content contributes to an extensive digital profile. Unfortunately, the data shared by parents can be harvested by “dataveillance” firms and later sold to advertisers, employers, or even college admissions offices (source).
3. Sharenting Can Lead to Identity Fraud
Posting personal information about children increases their risk of identity theft. According to a forecast by Barclay’s Bank in the UK, sharenting could be responsible for two-thirds of identity fraud cases by 2030, costing approximately £667 million annually (source). Fraudsters can use publicly available details to open bank accounts, apply for loans, or commit other financial crimes in the child’s name.
4. Digital Kidnapping
Digital kidnapping occurs when someone uses a child’s photos without permission, often to create fake online personas. The ease with which photos and videos can be accessed online makes this a real concern. These stolen images can have severe psychological and legal consequences for the child and their family, potentially impacting the child’s sense of safety and privacy as they grow.
5. Sharenting, Digital Footprint, and Child Mental Health Concerns
The effects of sharenting on a child’s digital footprint can extend to their mental health. Sharing content that seems innocent—or even humorous—to a parent can be embarrassing for the child, both now and in the future. Viral trends, such as pranks on children, often involve posting videos that may humiliate or upset them. Furthermore, content shared by parents could be used by peers for bullying, causing emotional distress (source). Embarrassing or invasive posts can also harm a child’s self-esteem and emotional well-being, potentially leaving a lasting impact into adulthood.
Can a Digital Footprint Be Deleted?
Although it is possible to delete some content from the internet, completely erasing a digital footprint is challenging. Once something is shared online, it can be downloaded, archived, or reshared by others. To protect their child’s digital identity, parents should limit what they post, use strict privacy settings, and think twice before sharing sensitive details. As children grow older, involving them in decisions about what gets shared helps ensure their comfort and consent.
Conclusion
Sharenting might seem like a harmless way to celebrate your child’s milestones, but its impact on their digital footprint and future is significant. Parents must balance the joy of sharing these moments with the responsibility of safeguarding their child’s privacy, mental health, and security. By being thoughtful about what you post and taking proactive steps to protect your child’s digital identity, you can create a safer online world for them to grow up in.
