Sharenting , the exposure of information related to minors by their caregivers – a practice that includes images, videos, or personal data of the minor – has become increasingly common.

Although the term refers to parents and close caregivers, it also applies to other figures in their environment, such as teachers . All of them are role models for the child, who can be greatly harmed by this practice, which is becoming increasingly prevalent on social media.

Personal information and digital footprint

One source of risk associated with sharenting is the provision of information that facilitates identification and interaction with the minor. This type of data, such as their tastes or routines, can be misused by third parties .

Furthermore, the accumulation of information about a person’s identity and past— their digital footprint —can also be a source of many problems. A compromising image, for example, could lead to, or be part of, a bullying situation. On the other hand, sharing health data could have future consequences. Despite this, posts about minors are frequently shared without their consent, a phenomenon that has skyrocketed in recent years.

This exposure on social media could also have psychological consequences for minors, according to some mental health professionals.

Sharenting and self-image

The importance placed on image or success when creating content about minors can impact how they perceive themselves and their surroundings. In these cases, the child is often aware that their image is being shared and, therefore, judged by others, which can have a particular impact on someone whose self-concept and critical thinking are still in the making.

Furthermore, if the image is previously edited, the message conveyed can be understood as: “Just the way you are isn’t enough to be accepted; your image must be modified to be liked.” These learnings , which in sharenting are fostered by the child’s environment, influence how the person perceives themselves and compares themselves to others.

The commodification of minors

On the other hand, when social media content is related to minors, it has a greater dissemination . This sometimes encourages caregivers to share information, seeking greater visibility and direct or indirect benefits. This leads to the commercialization of the child’s image.

What’s more, the impact increases if the information includes compromising images or images of the child in distress . Here, not only is the digital footprint nourished, but the caregiver may even create artificial situations to record them in unpleasant situations (for example, creating videos in which they are humiliated).

In some cases, when children are suffering, instead of responding to their discomfort in a way that helps them regulate their emotions, they are recorded, fostering dangerous learning about how to manage emotions.

Distrust in your reference figure

The dynamics surrounding sharenting also influence the relationship between the child and their caregivers. The situations this practice creates can increase distrust toward them . In extreme cases, children may begin to doubt whether an outing is motivated by a desire to enjoy themselves together or a need to generate likes , or even whether a gift is solely the result of a collaboration.

Likewise, this practice calls into question the limits of one’s own privacy and of one’s relationship with the caregiver: if, as a child, I share a very personal experience with you, or if, as a student, I write you a letter that ends up being public, what part of myself can I confide in you? What should I stop sharing about myself with others?

Shared responsibility

Sharenting can take the exposure of minors to the extreme, monetizing it, seeking impact and followers. But it doesn’t have to go that far: a single image provides information about locations, ages, etc. Furthermore, the photograph itself can be used for malicious purposes. Therefore, as professionals, we must recommend avoiding sharing information about minors on social media.

As families, let’s try not to upload images of our children to any social media platform, and if we do, it should always be done consciously, thoughtfully, with consent, and responsibly. Especially now, in the summer, we can’t help but point out the potential risks of sharing images or videos of children on beaches or at pools.

Remember that this includes WhatsApp profile photos, a network where we have contacts we haven’t spoken to in years, or with whom we don’t trust, or who are complete strangers. That’s why it’s important to check your settings or avoid posting images of minors.

As educators, we should not upload photographs of students to our social media, either personally or as educational centers . Even if we have parental permission, we should find other ways to communicate our activities privately or without exposing students. After all, sharing classroom or school experiences on social media that includes the identification of minors does not serve any educational or pedagogical purpose.

Finally, as social media users, let’s try not to spread the word, share, comment on, or like videos, images, or information related to minors. From all walks of life, we can contribute, in one way or another, to protecting our children.

Author Bios: Luis M. Rojo Bofill is a Psychiatric Specialist at H. La Fe, Valencia, Spain. Associate Professor at the University of Valencia and Ingrid Mosquera Gende is Full Professor. Principal Investigator of the TEKINDI Research Group at UNIR – International University of La Rioja