Sharenting refers to the act of parents habitually sharing information and media about their children on internet platforms. This practice documents a child's life online, often from before birth, creating a digital footprint that persists into adulthood.
Sharenting is a portmanteau of 'sharing' and 'parenting,' describing the act of parents frequently publicizing content about their children on social media and other internet platforms. This content can range from photographs and videos to personal anecdotes and developmental milestones.
Key Components
- Parental Sharing: The act is performed by a parent or guardian who digitally documents and broadcasts their child's life, often in real-time.
- Digital Footprint Creation: The practice establishes a public or semi-public digital identity for a minor, frequently beginning before birth and continuing through childhood, without their direct consent.
- Platform Usage: The primary venues for sharenting include social media networks like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, as well as personal blogs and video-sharing sites.
Historical Context or Origin: The term was coined in the early 2010s, gaining prominence as social media platforms became integral to daily life.
Why Sharenting Matters
Sharenting is significant because it directly impacts a child's privacy, security, and future digital identity. The information shared can expose children to risks such as digital kidnapping (using a child's photos for fraudulent purposes), cyberbullying, and data mining. It also creates a permanent digital footprint that the child did not consent to, which may affect their personal and professional lives in the future.
Managing this digital legacy is a key challenge for modern parents. Platforms like Kinnect help families manage this by providing a private, secure space to share memories and information, ensuring a child's digital story is controlled and protected within a trusted circle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main risks of sharenting?
A: The primary risks include identity theft, online predators, cyberbullying, data exploitation by tech companies, and creating a lasting digital footprint without the child's consent.
Q: Is all sharenting bad?
A: Not necessarily. Mindful sharenting, which respects a child's privacy by avoiding identifiable information, setting privacy controls, and considering future impact, can be a positive way to connect with close family and friends.
Q: How can I share photos of my children safely?
A: To share safely, use private accounts or dedicated secure platforms, avoid posting personal information (like full names, locations, or schools), disable geotagging, and consider the long-term implications of the content you post.
