“Sharenting” is a new parenting buzzword, and if your Facebook profile features a picture of your kid, then you’re probably guilty of it.
Sharenting Definition
Sharenting or “oversharenting” is defined as when a parent or grandparent overshares information about their kids/grandkids on social media. Whether that’s pictures, videos, or updates on their accomplishments, it can all be “too much information” (TMI).
And the parents who share? “Sharents” of course. Their intentions are often good — they’re proud of their kids and want their online and real-life communities to know. But where is the line between public and private?
Sharenting — The Controversy
Yes, parents have the right to share, but children’s privacy is coming into question. It’s also impossible to predict how your child will feel when they get older and see their embarrassing toddler moments broadcasted for the world to see. In fact, sharenting is so popular now that pediatricians are starting to look into how it affects childhood development and family life, according to Stacey Steinberg in her article “Parental Sharing on the Internet: Child Privacy in the Age of Social Media and the Pediatrician’s Role.”
Besides the potential embarrassment for kids, and how competitive parents can get on social media, sharenting can have some dangerous effects. An Australian government study found approximately 50% of images on pedophile sites were originally stolen from social media — pictures parents posted of their own children.
Click here for more information on the impact of sharenting on children.
Sources
Pros and Cons
Parental Sharing on the Internet: Child Privacy in the Age of Social Media
Pedophile Study