This article delves into the ethical concerns surrounding 'sharenting,' the practice of parents publicly sharing images and personal information about their children online. Drawing on personal experience and the story of Shari Franke's memoir, it argues that children's privacy and autonomy should always come first. It encourages parents to think critically before posting online and offers alternative ways to build meaningful online communities without compromising their children's well-being.
A recent Instagram direct message sparked a reflection on the ethics of sharing children's lives online. The message, from a follower seeking parenting advice, questioned my credibility because I choose not to post pictures of my children.
The follower's reasoning? 'How can I trust your recommendations when you won't even show your own family?' This prompted me to consider the implications of 'sharenting'—the practice of parents publicly sharing images and personal details about their children online. While I understand the allure of building an online audience and the pressure to create engaging content, I believe that a child's privacy and autonomy should always come first. Plastering their faces all over the internet for personal gain—clicks, engagement, the social media algorithm—is, to me, a blatant disregard for their well-being.Shari Franke's searing memoir illuminates the dangers of sharenting. It's a cautionary tale about the long-term psychological harm that can result from children becoming content. Franke's personal experience with her mother's popular parenting YouTube channel, which chronicled every aspect of their lives, exposes the exploitation and lack of consent inherent in sharenting. As parents, we must ask ourselves: are we building online communities at the expense of our children's privacy?The pressure to engage online is undeniable, but we don't need to exploit our children for likes and views. We can build meaningful connections without sacrificing their well-being. Think before you post. Ask yourself: would I want this shared about me? If you were your child, would you want a tantrum, a discipline moment, or a medical update made public? Consider the long-term implications of your posts. That cute toddler photo might seem innocent now, but how will your child feel about it when they're older? If you're posting because it gets engagement, stop. Pause, reflect, and prioritize your child's privacy and autonomy. Remember, the most precious parts of parenting don't belong on a screen. They belong to our children, and they belong at home
Technology Ethics SHARENTING CHILDREN's PRIVACY DIGITAL SAFETY ONLINE CONTENT ETHICAL PARENTING
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