Social Media: Things, Parents Never Should Share

It can seem harmless to post pictures of our children on social media. But there are things that parents should keep in mind.

Not so long ago, we had to upload a picture or video of our children to a computer. Then we had to email them to share them. Or we should download them on a CD. It sounds tirelessly boring today, but of course it used to be even more complicated before social media .

With social media today, it has become much easier to share photos and videos of our children with family and friends… and more dangerous.

While sharing on social media may seem harmless, it can actually lead to more problems in the long run. This is especially true if you have not noticed your privacy settings or if you have let strangers see your profile.

Some images may seem completely harmless and they are not worth thinking about. But this is not always the case.

For example, if you post pictures of your children in public spaces, you give hints about your location and your activity pattern.

If the pictures are from areas with lots of children, such as a park, then other children can be in your pictures, whether they know it or not.

Another example is an image that shows intimate scenes with children, or where the child is naked or partially naked.

In addition, we need to mention informal images that your child may be embarrassed about when they are older, or that may provoke bullying or even stalking or extortion.

Do not post pot pictures on social media

Potty training is a milestone in a child’s life, and for some it can be a challenge. It is great that your child can pee or defecate on their own, or that you have managed to get them to sit on the potty just before it was too late.

If you want to make a song about it and dance over it, get loose. But do not post pictures or videos to your child while he or she is sitting on a potty.

Likewise , you should avoid posting pictures where you change diapers or bathe the baby, or while giving your baby clothes to wear. Just because they are small does not mean they do not have the right to privacy.

Nude pictures or semi-nude pictures are especially dangerous if they get into the hands of the wrong people.

Do not share embarrassing moments

Embarrassment has long been used as a tool by parents and teachers to punish children.

But it also makes you look bad if you laugh at your children or “ shame” them in front of others.

The problem with social media is that everything you post stays there forever.

If you are angry about something that your child has done, then you are not doing it better by showing it to everyone you know.

This is something that should stay in the home. You do not get better from telling the whole world what they have done.

Do not post pictures of other children

It’s up to you if you do not mind sharing pictures of your children with the public. As a mother, father or guardian, it is your responsibility.

But what you are not allowed to do is share photos or videos of other children.

There is no one who can stop you from taking pictures or recording videos in a park. Or for example for school events, birthdays or other situations where children are present.

However, you should not post pictures of minors without their parents’ permission. Likewise, others should not post pictures of your children either.

Do not share photos of your children while they are sick

Children can sometimes be cute when they are sick. But one thing is to send a picture to grandma so you can show her how cute her granddaughter is even though they are sick.

But it is something completely different when you show your child to the whole world while they are most vulnerable.

You should respect your child’s privacy in these fragile moments. What looks sweet in your eyes may look pitiful in the eyes of others.

And you never know where your photos might end up once they’re online.

Do not share photos that contain personal information

A picture can say more than a thousand words.

Sharing photos or videos that contain personal information can be very risky.

For example, you may be able to reveal your child’s school, your address and / or phone number (if it is written on your child’s backpack or elsewhere), your daily routines, etc.

It can put you and your child at risk when you post personal information online. It is no coincidence that governments in many different countries are tightening their privacy laws.

Do not forget that you are exposing yourself and your child to danger if you reveal personal information.

One last thought and disclaimer

Just because many others do not think about it when they share pictures of their children on social media, does not mean that you should do the same. It’s up to you to preserve your family’s privacy online.

But what about the images that have been used in this article? These are all stock photos that have been purchased from reputable photo sites with all the necessary permissions.