Many parents and caregivers use social media themselves, for example to share important or fun moments from their lives – and of course, that involves their children. However, it is important to always keep your child’s privacy in mind when sharing information on the internet.
Children have the right to decide (or to get help deciding) what information about them is shared online. So, as a parent or caregiver, you should ask your child if they are okay with you posting that picture of them. Very young children can’t make an informed judgement on this yet, but you’ll be surprised by how quickly they are able to form an opinion. Children as young as 7 or 8 are perfectly capable of this. The older they get, the stronger their opinion will be. Always listen to their views, and don’t ignore them.
As a parent or caregiver, you should ask yourself questions like: should everyone see this photo? Is it fun now – and will it still be later, when they are older? Does it show any nudity?
You can also make a distinction between posting a photo on a public account, or sharing it in a private group with family only (for example, on WhatsApp). Would you rather share photos with a limited group of people? Then make sure your profile is properly protected. Share photos only through non-public groups. Be aware that you can never be completely certain that the images won’t spread further. You don’t have full control over this. So, it’s always better to think twice about what you share.
Set the right example
You want to teach your child how to navigate the internet wisely. As a parent or caregiver, it’s best to do the same yourself. Lead by example and respect your child’s right to privacy. Don’t share everything without thinking. If your child is old enough for a conversation, ask for their permission before posting images. They’ll appreciate that.
Tips for parents and caregivers
Here are some tips to share consciously and in a privacy-friendly way:
- Check your privacy settings: share photos and videos of your children only within limited and trusted circles. Preferably use closed platforms that are password-protected.
- Ask yourself: would you really want photos of yourself in the bath or on the potty to be found online? Never share anything of your child that you wouldn’t share of yourself.
- Be careful with suggestive images, nude photos, or content that reveals your child’s location.
- Talk to your child: ask for permission before posting. Always respect your child’s choice.
- Discuss past posts: when your child is older, review photos you posted earlier together. Are they still okay with those photos being online?
Find more information about the work of the Belgian Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.
Many parents and caregivers use social media themselves, for example to share important or fun moments from their lives – and of course, that involves their children. However, it is important to always keep your child’s privacy in mind when sharing information on the internet.
Children have the right to decide (or to get help deciding) what information about them is shared online. So, as a parent or caregiver, you should ask your child if they are okay with you posting that picture of them. Very young children can’t make an informed judgement on this yet, but you’ll be surprised by how quickly they are able to form an opinion. Children as young as 7 or 8 are perfectly capable of this. The older they get, the stronger their opinion will be. Always listen to their views, and don’t ignore them.
As a parent or caregiver, you should ask yourself questions like: should everyone see this photo? Is it fun now – and will it still be later, when they are older? Does it show any nudity?
You can also make a distinction between posting a photo on a public account, or sharing it in a private group with family only (for example, on WhatsApp). Would you rather share photos with a limited group of people? Then make sure your profile is properly protected. Share photos only through non-public groups. Be aware that you can never be completely certain that the images won’t spread further. You don’t have full control over this. So, it’s always better to think twice about what you share.
Set the right example
You want to teach your child how to navigate the internet wisely. As a parent or caregiver, it’s best to do the same yourself. Lead by example and respect your child’s right to privacy. Don’t share everything without thinking. If your child is old enough for a conversation, ask for their permission before posting images. They’ll appreciate that.
Tips for parents and caregivers
Here are some tips to share consciously and in a privacy-friendly way:
- Check your privacy settings: share photos and videos of your children only within limited and trusted circles. Preferably use closed platforms that are password-protected.
- Ask yourself: would you really want photos of yourself in the bath or on the potty to be found online? Never share anything of your child that you wouldn’t share of yourself.
- Be careful with suggestive images, nude photos, or content that reveals your child’s location.
- Talk to your child: ask for permission before posting. Always respect your child’s choice.
- Discuss past posts: when your child is older, review photos you posted earlier together. Are they still okay with those photos being online?
Find more information about the work of the Belgian Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.
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