In an era dominated by social media, the urge to share every moment of our lives online is strong. However, a recent warning from data experts at Edith Cowan University ECU highlights the potential dangers of posting information about children on social networks.
Dr. Valeska Berg, in a scoping review published in JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting, emphasizes the significant impact of digital posts on children’s developing digital identities. Every photo, status update, or mention of a child online contributes to shaping their digital footprint from an early age.
According to Dr. Berg, many parents are unaware of the risks associated with sharing photos and identifying information about their children online. From revealing school uniforms to announcing pregnancies, seemingly innocuous posts can inadvertently expose children to threats such as identity theft and unwanted image distribution.
To mitigate these risks, Dr. Berg advises parents to reconsider how they share images of their children. Instead of public sharing on social platforms, she recommends using private messaging apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, or Signal to connect with family and friends. These platforms offer greater control over who can access the content, reducing the risk of exposure to unknown parties.
For parents who use their children to promote products on social media, Dr. Berg suggests taking precautions to protect their privacy. This includes covering the child’s face or only posting images where the child is not identifiable. By minimising the information shared about their children, parents can help safeguard their digital identities.
Furthermore, Dr. Berg emphasizes the importance of involving children in the development of their digital identity. When digital footprints are created without their input, children are deprived of the opportunity to shape their online presence and exercise their right to privacy.
Dr. Berg calls for research to explore how children can actively participate in shaping their digital identities. By giving children a voice in this process, we can better understand their experiences and ensure that their rights are respected in the digital world.
The warning from ECU serves as a reminder for parents to approach sharing their children’s lives online with caution. By adopting privacy-conscious practices and involving children in decision-making, we can create a safer digital environment for the next generation.