There are concerns that over-sharing by parents about their children could be having unintended negative consequences.
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Recent studies from the U.K. have shown on average parents post 200 images of their children online a year.
The possible consequences are varied. Beyond simply child safety, there are concerns around the child’s right to privacy, the emotional impact and future social and career prospects. Future employers might not be impressed to see a potential employee’s three-year-old tantrum immortalised online
France has introduced legislation to control the behaviour of parents’ online posting.
“[It] is warning parents to stop posting images of their children on social media networks,” expert in the field of children and technology Joanne Orlando said.
French parents could face up to a years jail or a €45,000 fine for failing to get their child's permission prior to posting their personal information, including photos, online.
While Australia doesn’t have laws around this issue, Ms Orlando thinks parents need to be aware of the potential consequences.
“I think it’s really good food for thought for us in terms of how we might think about posting about children online,” she said.
“I don't think the answer is to stop doing it … you just need to be very mindful of the implications for your child in the short and long term.”
Baby and Kids Market co-ordinator and Launceston mother Ursula Donati said it is common for parents to post about their children online.
“I think you should not post anything that is embarrassing … even when [they are] a baby I don’t think it’s good if you post pictures of naked babies or things like that,” she said.
Ms Donati believes many parents aren’t aware of the possible consequences about posting online.
“They only want to share and think that something is cute or it’s funny and they dont think about the consequences,” she said.
Ms Orlando said parents can take the opportunity to teach their children about digital etiquette and responsibility.
“If you’re continuously asking your child, ‘Is this okay to put online?’, just really getting their permission then they’re seeing that that’s how it works,” she said.
Stripped back, Ms Orlando said it’s wise not to post anything the child might not be happy with in 15 years’ time.
