Sharenting: Children's Privacy and Social Media
The right to privacy is a fundamental human right. But it intersects with parents' desire to document and share their children's lives. Research from Pew Research reveals that over 80% of parents who use social media post photos and videos of their kids online. We truly live in the age of ‘sharenting’.
Why?
Sharing is a natural way to connect with others. Many parents share to stay in touch with family and friends across our digital world. Some use it to celebrate important milestones and life's joyful moments. Others, however, simply follow social trends without thinking about the implications.
But have you stopped to consider what this means for your child's privacy?
Unintended Consequences of ‘Sharenting’
Sharing your parenting journey can feel like a lifeline, especially in early days. Connecting with others who understand the rollercoaster of raising kids makes it feel a bit more bearable. Studies show that parents share an average of 71 photos and 29 videos of their children annually. By the time a child is 13, their parents may have posted over 1,300 photos and videos to social media.
What are the implications of creating your child's digital story before they can consent to it?
This digital trail is permanent. It lives on long after the likes and comments fade. While some posts bring joy to close family, others risk embarrassment, discomfort, or even resentment as your child grows up. What feels innocent now - a funny tantrum - may not align with how your child wants to be seen in the future.
Social media isn’t just a place to share - it’s a space where privacy risks and digital permanence are very real concerns.
Practical Steps for Thoughtful Sharing
Your child's milestones are precious, and sharing them thoughtfully can be meaningful. Here are some ideas on how to balance connection with privacy:
Educate Yourself
Learn about digital privacy and the potential risks of oversharing. Share this knowledge with friends and family to create a shared understanding of what’s okay to post and what’s not.
Choose the Right Platform for Your Family
Public social media platforms are not one-size-fits-all. Consider private alternatives designed for family sharing - platforms like 23snaps that offer a secure, dedicated space for updates. This ensures your child’s moments are only seen by those who truly matter.
Curate Your Audience
Take the time to review your family and friends. Are they people who genuinely care about your child’s milestones? Curating your audience ensures that the updates you share reach the right people.
Ask Before You Post
As your child grows, involve them in decisions about what’s shared. Teaching consent early helps them understand their right to privacy - and builds a stronger parent-child bond.
A Safer Space for Family Memories
As parents, we want to celebrate our children and stay connected with loved ones - but we can do it without compromising their privacy. Thoughtful sharing not only safeguards your child’s future but also makes the moments you share more meaningful to the people who matter most.
At 23snaps, we understand the importance of privacy and connection. Our platform allows you to share your family’s milestones in a safe, private, and ad-free space.