Sharenting: Children's Privacy and Social Media
The right to privacy is a fundamental human right. But it intersects with parents' desire to document and share their children's lives. Research from Pew Research reveals that over 80% of parents who use social media post photos and videos of their kids online. We truly live in the age of ‘sharenting’.
Why?
Sharing is a natural way to connect with others. Many parents share to stay in touch with family and friends across our digital world. Some use it to celebrate important milestones and life's joyful moments. Others, however, simply follow social trends without thinking about the implications.
But have you stopped to consider what this means for your child's privacy?
Unintended Consequences of ‘Sharenting’
Sharing your parenting journey can feel like a lifeline, especially in early days. Connecting with others who understand the rollercoaster of raising kids makes it feel a bit more bearable. Studies show that parents share an average of 71 photos and 29 videos of their children annually. By the time a child is 13, their parents may have posted over 1,300 photos and videos to social media.
What are the implications of creating your child's digital story before they can consent to it?
This digital trail is permanent. It lives on long after the likes and comments fade. While some posts bring joy to close family, others risk embarrassment, discomfort, or even resentment as your child grows up. What feels innocent now - a funny tantrum - may not align with how your child wants to be seen in the future.
Social media isn’t just a place to share - it’s a space where privacy risks and digital permanence are very real concerns.
Practical Steps for Thoughtful Sharing
Your child's milestones are precious, and sharing them thoughtfully can be meaningful. Here are some ideas on how to balance connection with privacy:
Educate Yourself
Learn about digital privacy and the potential risks of oversharing. Share this knowledge with friends and family to create a shared understanding of what’s okay to post and what’s not.
Choose the Right Platform for Your Family
Public social media platforms are not one-size-fits-all. Consider private alternatives designed for family sharing - platforms like 23snaps that offer a secure, dedicated space for updates.
If you are comparing options, use how to safely share baby photos online and what's the best way to share photos privately. This helps ensure your child’s moments are only seen by people who truly matter.
Curate Your Audience
Take the time to review your family and friends. Are they people who genuinely care about your child’s milestones? Curating your audience ensures that the updates you share reach the right people.
Ask Before You Post
As your child grows, involve them in decisions about what’s shared. Teaching consent early helps them understand their right to privacy - and builds a stronger parent-child bond.
A Safer Space for Family Memories
As parents, we want to celebrate our children and stay connected with loved ones - but we can do it without compromising their privacy. Thoughtful sharing not only safeguards your child’s future but also makes the moments you share more meaningful to the people who matter most.
At 23snaps, we understand the importance of privacy and connection. Our platform allows you to share your family’s milestones in a safe, private, and ad-free space.
What to Do If Family Members Overshare
Start with a respectful conversation and a clear family policy. Most oversharing problems are solved early when expectations are explicit and consistent.
Use a short rule set: ask before posting, avoid names and location markers, and keep child photos in approved private channels only. You can also point relatives to privacy and security guidance so the boundaries feel objective, not personal.
FAQs
What is sharenting and why is it risky?
Sharenting is posting child-related content online; the risk is building a permanent digital footprint before a child can consent.
When should children consent to sharing?
As soon as they can express preferences, involve them in decisions and respect reasonable boundaries.
How do I ask relatives not to repost?
Use a direct but kind default rule: no reposting of child content without parent approval.
Are private family apps safer than private social accounts?
In many cases, yes, because they are designed around invitations and family-only distribution rather than public engagement.
What if photos are already widely shared?
Archive or remove sensitive posts, tighten settings, and move future sharing into private channels.
Summary and Next Steps
- Sharenting risks are manageable when families set explicit boundaries.
- Private sharing channels reduce accidental exposure.
- Early consent habits help children build healthy digital autonomy.
Next step: write a one-paragraph family sharing policy and share it with caregivers this week.