The Opt Out: Read this before sharing another photo of a kid online

Children deserve digital privacy. The Opt Out helps you protect it.

While most online content featuring children is shared with positive intentions – milestones, support seeking, or community building – a closer look reveals potential problems. The long-term effects of sharing children's lives online are still unknown, but experts warn of ethical and privacy concerns.

What is Sharenting and Why is it Risky?

Sharenting—a blend of "sharing" and "parenting"—encompasses all online content about children, created and shared by parents, relatives, or even acquaintances. This includes seemingly harmless posts like photos, videos, or stories.

[Related: Protecting Your Family's Data from School Devices]

It's not just about influencers profiting from children's images; the issue is broader. Children rarely consent to having their images and information shared widely, and even if they agree, their understanding of the consequences is limited. Adults struggle with online privacy; expecting children to fully grasp it is unrealistic.

The Dangers of Oversharing

The risks are significant. Sharing identifying information like a child's full name, birthdate, and location can lead to identity theft, a crime 51 times more common for children than adults. Furthermore, innocent photos can end up on exploitative websites; a study found millions of images sourced directly from social media.

The long-term psychological impact of sharenting remains unclear, but research suggests potential harm to a child's development and sense of self. Publicly shared information could shape their future interactions and opportunities.

Responsible Sharenting: A Practical Guide

While current laws are insufficient, adults can take proactive steps. Professor Steinberg emphasizes that most sharenting isn't malicious, but rather a lack of awareness about long-term consequences. Professor Plunkett offers practical advice for responsible sharing:

Prioritize Offline Sharing

Whenever possible, share important moments offline. Print photos for family, or call for support instead of posting online.

Omit Sensitive Details

Avoid posting sensitive information like birthdates, school names, or addresses. These details can be exploited for identity theft or other harmful purposes.

Ensure Children are Fully Clothed

To prevent images from being misused on exploitative websites, only post photos of fully clothed children. Consider guidelines from organizations like the Innocent Lives Foundation regarding clothing and hashtags to avoid.

Protect Facial Features

Consider blurring or omitting children's faces in photos. Protecting their anonymity reduces the risk of real-world consequences.

Involving Children in the Decision

Remember, the internet is not a fleeting space. Content shared today can have lasting consequences. Involving children in the decision-making process, granting them veto power, and educating them about online privacy fosters responsible digital citizenship. However, as adults, we bear the ultimate responsibility. Children cannot give informed consent.

Consider children as individuals, not just sources of online content. A seemingly harmless video today could become a source of embarrassment or even hinder future opportunities. The potential for unknown negative consequences is the greatest concern.

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