Warning for Parents About the Popular ‘Sharenting’ Trend

Story

According to a report from the Cleveland Clinic, “sharenting” is defined as the act of excessively posting information, pictures, stories, or updates about a child’s life. Examples include publicizing private milestones like potty training or a girl’s first period, and sharing moments that could be humiliating, such as mistakes or injuries. Even seemingly innocent posts, like sharing a child’s positive report card, can negatively impact self-esteem, warns Cleveland Clinic psychologist Dr. Susan Albers.

“Sometimes, parents unknowingly create pressure on their kids by crafting an idealized image online of who their child is,” Dr. Albers explained. “That can lead to dips in self-esteem and self-worth.” She emphasized that sharenting involves complex issues related to a child’s privacy, autonomy, and protection, areas in which current U.S. regulations offer minimal guidance.

Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel echoed these concerns, noting that sharenting often stems from parents’ obsession with social media engagement. “Keep in mind that kids are already subject to ostracization, marginalization, and feelings of loneliness and isolation because of how they are treated or bullied on social media,” Dr. Siegel said. He warned that adding parents’ posts to this mix can exacerbate issues like anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts in teenagers.

Senses: Child Safeguarding and Protection Principles

To better understand the implications of sharenting, it’s essential to focus on fundamental child safeguarding and protection principles:

Privacy: Children have a right to privacy, which includes controlling what personal information is shared about them.
Consent: Older children should have a say in what information about them is posted online. Informed consent is crucial.
Protection: Parents must prioritize their children’s safety and well-being over the desire for social media engagement.
Respect: Respecting a child’s feelings and dignity means avoiding posts that could embarrass or harm their self-esteem.
Awareness: Understanding the potential long-term impacts of sharenting on mental health and taking steps to mitigate these risks is essential.

Stones: Child Safeguarding and Protection Lessons for Parents, Government and Society

For Parents:
- Limit the amount of personal information shared about children on social media.
- Seek consent from older children before posting about them.
- Focus on creating offline memories that don’t need online validation.
For Government:
- Develop and enforce regulations that protect children’s online privacy and prevent exploitation.
- Promote awareness campaigns about the risks of sharenting.
For Society:
- Encourage a cultural shift towards valuing children’s privacy and autonomy.
- Support parents in finding alternative ways to document and share their children’s milestones privately.

Conclusion

As we continue to navigate the digital age, it’s crucial to understand the implications of sharenting and prioritize the mental health and well-being of children. By respecting their privacy, seeking their consent, and being mindful of the potential long-term impacts of oversharing, parents can protect their children from the adverse effects of digital exposure. Moreover, government, society, and educational institutions must work together to promote safe, respectful, and informed practices when it comes to sharing children’s lives online. Only through collective effort can we ensure that children grow up in an environment that respects their dignity and protects their mental health.

Source of Image: iStock