How do you feel about your kid’s photos being shared on social media?
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I have always been cautious when it comes to sharing pictures of my kids on social media. Not only because of concerns about child safety, but because I believe that my kids should have a say as to whether their pictures are shared on a public forum. After all, once something is shared online, it is there forever. My kids are older now and we have an agreement that I can share photos of special occasions among my close friends as long as no one is tagged in the images. I’ve made it a habit to always check with others (adults and kids) before sharing pictures that include them. Lately I’ve noticed many people I know sharing pictures of their kids online. These social media posts are often not private or shared only with a limited audience and may include details that reveal details like the child’s school or favourite hang-outs. Parents and other adults also seem to feel comfortable sharing photos of other people’s kids without their permission (for example pictures of playdates or parties). I’d be curious to know how others feel about this. Do we need to do more to protect our children’s privacy and take steps to keep them safe from online predators?     
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Answers (5)
Best answer chosen by asker
I think your concerns are very valid and it seems that so many people put all kinds of things out there on social media that shouldn't be. I have social media accounts but have some clear boundaries around them. I never put up photos or videos of my kids that could be considered controversial or embarrassing in any way now or in the future. I also have all of my social media accounts set to private. I am cautious not to share images of other peoples children without permission as well.
I find myself thinking i am so glad that social media didn't exist when I was a teenager.....
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We try our best to keep photos of our kids off of social media. That being said, my accounts are pretty private. I've seen people set up separate, private accounts just to share photos with friends and family.
My kids are now older and they are starting to know more about social media. My oldest even said the other day, "take a picture of me and post it on Instagram!". I told him I probably wouldn't do that because we don't post a lot of pictures of them online. I told him I wouldn't share stuff about our family that involves them without their consent. Even though he told me to do it, I didn't.
I feel very uncomfortable sharing lots of family photos but I totally understand those who are more extroverted or use social media for personal and business growth.
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Best answer chosen by asker
I completely agree with you. Social media has virtually connected us as a global village.
Considering the potential threats of getting my children’s security at risk, I have always been very careful in sharing photographs of my kids online.
Even when they were very young, I avoided sharing their photographs. I don’t posts about their birthdays or any other special events event to date. I follow same rules for myself when it comes to my family events. As a professional I have to use social media to a certain level for communication and connectivity, but I avoid posting about my personal life.
Now my kids are older and can understand what it means to share life moments online. Both of them don’t like using social media sites. They do connect with their friends and cousins through text or video chats, but sharing photos is limited to very close friends and family members.
We can take all possible measures to protect privacy of our children but I think it is not possible to entirely avoid their online presence. Their school performances and achievements get posted on social media and I think they enjoy being there with their friends. Important thing is to make them aware of potential threats and rules for safe use of social media.
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Yes it’s a tricky one. I post special events with my child in them infrequently and always check with mum friends if they mind me posting with their children in the shots. It does worry me sometimes how many pics of my child might be out there without me being tagged in them or that I know about. I guess we can only protect our kids from our end of the post. It’s a great thought for discussion in that perhaps there will be a way in the future to limit posts of kids that aren’t ‘tagged’ without parent permission.
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Best answer chosen by asker
I completely agree with you. As parents, and as adults who engage with other parents' children, we have a responsibility to protect the kids in our village from potential dangers related to social media.
Neither of my children were allowed social media accounts until they turned 13. I believed this was an appropriate age for them to determine what they felt comfortable sharing publicly. As they allowed, and were comfortable, I could share photos which included them.
I think it should be the responsibility of each parent to let other parents know if they are permitted to share photos of their kids online. Don't make a big public deal of it, but if a oatent would rather their kid not appear in birthday party or other gatherings, then it's their choice to let the hosting parents know this.
It shouldn't become an issue of having to sign permission waivers at an elementary-age party, but many parents are becoming increasingly more cautious of hiw much of their children's lives are free for all the world to see, and I think this is wise.
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