What is sharenting and why do parents need to be cautious of this digital trend

Parag Naik (31) welcomed a daughter into his life in 2020. In a conversation with Midday, the Mumbai-based pharmacist opens up about oversharing images of his firstborn child. "I mean, that's what first-time parents do, right? I had tons of pictures of my child, and I just couldn't help but share everything about her on social media."

He continues, "It felt like I had to post every single milestone like it was everyone's business. A year later, the reality struck me that she was not even aware of her presence online. Consequently, I had to delete almost everything about her when I learnt of the risks that I was exposing her to."

The journey of parenthood starts with the inception of a child. With the advent of social media, a few parents have channelled this journey into sharing images and clips of their children online. However, if they were to do this in France - they would have to think twice. The country wants to penalise ‘sharenting,' the practice of using social media to share news and images of children. But, why would the French government do that?

In today's world - a child's image goes viral even before they have taken birth. Be it a baby bump or an ultrasound scan - the content becomes an object of sharing for new-gen parents. One of the reasons why France wants to ban this practice is because it's violative of a child's privacy who cannot even consent to their images being shared on social media.

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok - you name it and numerous accounts pop up that serve baby content on a daily basis. But do babies really need their own social media handles, websites, emails and Google accounts? Experts call it the sharenting syndrome. To learn more about the perils of sharenting, midday.com spoke to Dr Sonal Anand, a psychiatrist working with Wockhardt Hospitals.

How does sharenting impact the parent-child relationship in terms of trust and privacy?
Anand: Sharenting, the act of parents sharing their children's photos and personal information on social media, might hurt the parent-child relationship. While it may seem harmless, sharenting can have significant effects on trust and privacy within the family.
1. Children might feel a lack of control over their digital footprint and privacy as their childhood is documented and shared without their consent.
2. This can lead to feelings of betrayal and mistrust towards parents who prioritise online validation over respecting their child's boundaries.
3. Erosion of trust in the parental relationship may hinder open communication between parents and children, ultimately impacting the development of a healthy sense of autonomy and boundaries.

Are there potential long-term effects on children's development linked to the constant sharing of their lives online?
Anand: The constant sharing of children's lives online may lead to a heightened need for external validation, as children grow accustomed to getting approval through likes and comments on social media platforms. The pressure to present a prim and polished version of their lives online could impact their sense of self-worth and identity formation.
Constant scrutiny by the public and potential cyberbullying could also lead to increased anxiety and performance pressure as they navigate the complexities of adolescence. Parents must consider the long-term developmental implications of sharing children's lives online and strike a balance between digital presence and privacy protection.

What role does online visibility play in shaping a child's self-esteem and sense of identity?
Anand: Online visibility plays a crucial role in shaping a child's self-esteem and sense of identity. With the rise of social media platforms, children are constantly exposed to curated versions of other people's lives, leading to comparisons and increased pressure to conform to certain standards. This can impact their self-worth as they strive for validation and acceptance from their online peers.
Additionally, getting badgered into specific ideologies, beauty standards or values can lead to internalisation and adoption of these beliefs into their own identity. The oversharing culture on social media can blur the lines between public and private life for children, affecting how they perceive themselves and others.

What are the potential dangers and risks associated with sharenting?
Anand: One of the primary concerns is the violation of a child's privacy and their inability to consent to having their lives broadcasted online. This can have long-term implications as children may feel exposed or embarrassed by the content shared by their parents without their knowledge.
1. Sharenting puts children at risk of being targeted by online predators or identity thieves who may misuse shared information for malicious purposes.
2. The seemingly innocent act of sharing a child's milestone moments or daily activities can inadvertently expose them to unwanted attention from strangers in the digital world.
3. Parents may not realise that once something is posted online, it becomes permanent and can potentially affect a child's future reputation and opportunities.

Are there instances where sharenting could lead to unintended consequences for the child's safety?
Anand: Sharenting, the act of parents sharing their children's photos and personal information on social media, could potentially lead to unintended consequences for the child's safety. One significant risk is that these shared images and details might be used by malicious actors for identity theft or cyberbullying.
Once information is posted online, it can be nearly impossible to completely erase it from the public domain. As a result, children may find themselves confronted with embarrassing or intrusive content about their past selves when they are older, impacting their personal and professional lives.

In what ways can parents use sharenting to set positive examples for their children in terms of responsible digital behaviour?
Anand: The practice of sharenting can be used as a tool for parents to set positive examples for their children in terms of responsible digital behaviour. By modelling thoughtful and respectful online sharing, parents can demonstrate to their kids the importance of considering others' privacy and consent. This can involve seeking permission from older children before posting pictures of them or refraining from oversharing personal details that could compromise a child's safety.
Alternatively, parents can use sharenting as an opportunity to teach their children about digital literacy and critical thinking. By openly discussing with their kids what is appropriate to share online and what should be kept private, parents can help cultivate a healthy understanding of online boundaries and self-presentation.

Are there positive aspects of sharenting that contribute to building a sense of community among parents?
Anand: Yes, there are certain positive aspects to sharenting if done the right way. Sharing tips and advice through sharenting is helpful for others. The practice can create a platform for parents to celebrate their children's milestones and accomplishments with a wider audience. This virtual support network allows for empathy, encouragement and solidarity among parents who may be facing similar challenges or joys in raising their children. However, caution must be adopted in the amount of information being shared to maintain cyber safety.