Why Photos Aren't the Only Thing We Should Worry About When Sharing Our Kids' Lives Online
Many parents are aware that posting photos of their children online comes with risks. But it's not just photos that can be harmful; it's the details we share about our kids that can be the most dangerous. As we approach the festive season, it's a good time to reflect on what we're revealing about our children's lives.
The Power of Small Details
Joanne Orlando, a digital wellbeing researcher, highlights that it's often the minor details shared online that can be most harmful. For instance, a photo of your child at dance class might include a sign in the background revealing the suburb or street. A caption describing your child's dancing abilities or a friend's comment about the dance school can also provide valuable insights into your child's life.
Dr. Orlando explains that these seemingly insignificant details can paint a comprehensive picture of your child's identity, lifestyle, and personality. This information can have long-lasting effects, potentially influencing their sense of self and even attracting unwanted attention.
Predators and the Online World
The potential for predators to exploit these details is a significant concern. As Nicholas Carah, director of the Centre for Digital Cultures and Societies at the University of Queensland, points out, images and posts are rich with contextual information about your life, including subtle details like the car you drive or the holidays you take. Predators might follow you, study your posts, and use this information to build a sense of familiarity with your child.
Dr. Carah emphasizes that while it might be rare for this information to be used maliciously, the impact can be convincing and reassuring to a child. This sense of familiarity can be dangerous, as it may lead to a false sense of security.
Long-Term Consequences
The long-term consequences of sharing too much online are a serious concern. Once details are posted, they can be challenging to remove entirely from the internet. AI tools can now conduct background checks and uncover deleted content, making it crucial for parents to consider the lasting impact of their online posts.
Dr. Orlando stresses that children cannot provide informed consent regarding what parents share about them online. They may later feel their privacy has been invaded, especially if details about their health conditions or other sensitive information are shared without their knowledge.
Safe Sharing Strategies
Instead of avoiding sharing your child's life, Dr. Carah suggests focusing on safe sharing practices. For instance, using family group chats instead of public social media posts can reduce the risk of sensitive information being exposed. It's about managing online circles similarly to how we manage them in our everyday lives, sharing certain details with specific audiences.
Dr. Orlando also recommends using emojis or blurring to protect children's faces, but emphasizes that this should be done before posting, not after. She suggests marking up and covering the face with tools provided by the platform before uploading the photo.
Communicating with Family and Friends
Open communication with family and friends is essential. Dr. Orlando advises discussing what's appropriate to share and reminding them that not everything should be posted online. Asking for permission or making agreements, such as selecting one safe photo to post, can help ensure your child's privacy is respected.
Additionally, involving your child in the process, even if they don't fully understand the implications, can foster a sense of consent and respect. This practice can help them develop a healthier relationship with online sharing as they grow.
