In the age of social media, it has become increasingly common for parents to create accounts featuring their children's pictures and videos. However, the practice of "sharenting" raises concerns about the safety and privacy of children in the digital world. With countless followers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, parents need to consider the potential risks associated with sharing their child's life online.
Pitfalls of Sharenting: Cyber Fraudsters and Privacy Violations
As a parent, you need to be mindful of how much of your child's life you are sharing on the internet. According to Times of India, a lot of parents these days share vlogs in which they reveal every tiny detail about their kids' days. However, child psychiatrists note that this can allow intruders to walk into your child's space. Parents are responsible for their child's digital footprint and need to make a conscious choice about what they reveal to the rest of the world. It is essential not to reduce your child and their experiences to mere "content."
Recently, the West Bengal CID issued a warning about the pitfalls of sharenting, highlighting the risks of cyber fraudsters obtaining crucial information. The consequences of oversharing can range from morphed photographs to the alarming phenomenon known as "digital kidnapping." Moreover, oversharing may contribute to identity theft, future discrimination, and violations of privacy.
Leah Plunkett, author of "Sharenthood: Why We Should Think Before We Talk About Our Kids Online," explains that sharenting is a complex issue. Plunkett emphasizes that all children deserve a private space where they can play, make mistakes, and grow without unwanted scrutiny. This personal freedom for exploration must be safeguarded from the prying eyes of others, both in the present and the future.
It is important to strike a balance when it comes to sharing information about children on social media. The West Bengal CID's campaign aims to sensitize parents about the importance of understanding limits. While sharing a family photograph or a snapshot from a birthday celebration may not be problematic, parents must recognize that a child cannot provide consent. Consequently, it is crucial to refrain from sharing details that could have detrimental effects on a child's psychological growth or that cybercriminals may exploit.
Drawing the Line: Preventing Oversharing and Protecting Your Child's Personal Life
Drawing a line is essential to prevent oversharing and protect a child's personal life. Parents should feel free to share pictures, videos, or details of their child's life on social media. However, they must also be cautious about the extent to which they share. Oversharing can expose a child's personal life to unnecessary risks. Leah Plunkett emphasizes the need for parents to refrain from sharing "dangerous, illegal, or criminal" information that could lead to negative consequences or embarrassment for their children in the present or future.
In conclusion, the dangers of sharenting cannot be ignored. Parents must exercise caution and protect their children's privacy in the digital realm. By striking a balance and being mindful of what is shared, parents can ensure their children have a safe and private space to grow, free from the potential risks associated with oversharing on social media. It is important to remember that children deserve a private space to play, make mistakes, and explore without the unwanted gaze of others. Sharenting should be approached with care, ensuring that children's personal freedom and safety are prioritized above the desire for online validation.
