Sharenting - the family album on the net
If parents want to share photos of their children on social media, they should definitely take certain basic rules to heart.
We are proud of our children. We are happy about their successes, we have to laugh with them - and sometimes at them - and last but not least, we share some of the most precious experiences in our lives with them. It's only natural that we want to share these moments with other people. In the past in the family album, today also on social media.
Today we share the recordings with countless strangers.
In English, this is very aptly called «sharenting», a neologism made up of «sharing» and «parents». The family album with more or less matching pictures used to only be seen by family and friends. Today, we share photos with countless strangers and - above all - without an expiry date. The saying «The Internet never forgets» should serve as a constant reminder, especially when posting children's pictures.
Sharing - four golden rules
There are a few basic rules to keep in mind when sharenting:
- What we as parents might find funny or cute in the moment can be embarrassing or distressing for a teenager twelve years later. If in doubt, we should refrain from posting such pictures.
- Pictures in the swimming pool, by the river or in the paddling pool with scantily clad or even naked children are taboo. There are too many people on the internet who don't find such pictures cute, but rather place them in a sexual context.
- Children should not be recognisable under any circumstances. With a little creativity, beautiful souvenir photos for the web can also be designed so that no face is visible.
- Children also have a right to their image. Discuss this topic with your child as early as possible. Be honest and do not gloss over the consequences of publication. Such discussions are the cornerstone of your child's media literacy. And you will be seen as a role model.
Online parents' evening on the topic of sharenting
You will receive more detailed information on Sharenting on Tuesday evening, 19 November, at 8 pm in a live broadcast on blue TV. I will be discussing this controversial topic in depth with Claudia Lässer (Programme Manager Sports & News at blue and mother), Reto Fehr (journalist, content creator and father) and Stephanie Karrer (psychologist).
On the one hand, we are experts who deal professionally with media literacy and the consequences of digitalisation for families. On the other hand, our discussion group also includes parents who, just like you, are confronted with the daily challenges of family life. In this way, we ensure that the discussion is based on real life.
