Summary of the Article: The Risks of “Sharenting” and Online Exposure of Children
This article discusses the growing trend of parents sharing images and videos of their children online – a practice known as “sharenting” – and the notable risks associated with it. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
The trend & Justification:
* Live Births & Constant Sharing: Influencers are increasingly sharing intimate moments, like childbirth, live with their followers, justifying it by saying similar content already exists online.
* Parental Discretion: Some parents believe it’s their right too decide what to share, even if it means not concealing their children’s identities.
* “Sharenting” – Everyday Life Online: Family bloggers routinely share daily life details, creating a constant stream of content about their children.
The Dangers:
* Pedophile Exploitation: The BKA (Federal Criminal Police Office) reports a massive increase in child pornographic material, including AI-altered images of children. This material is distributed on the Darknet.
* Undermining Prevention Therapy: Constant exposure to children’s images online can normalize harmful attractions for individuals undergoing therapy to prevent them from becoming pedophiles. It lowers inhibition thresholds.
* Cyber Grooming: Predators use online platforms to initiate sexual contact with minors, demanding intimate pictures and engaging in cyber grooming. This is a punishable offense.
* Increased Risk for Children Themselves: Even seemingly harmless posts can provide data used for grooming or exploitation.
Expert Opinions & Recommendations:
* Dr. Daniel Illy (Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist): Compares online sharing to presenting a photo album – consider who you would share it with. He questions the purpose of babies being on public profiles, suggesting it’s about the parents’ needs, not the child’s. He doesn’t believe young children need TikTok profiles.
* BKA: “Children’s pictures do not belong on the internet.”
* “Don’t become a perpetrator” (Prevention Network): Online content challenges prevention efforts by creating a sense of normality for harmful attractions.
The Core Message:
The article highlights a growing concern about the potential harm caused by oversharing children’s lives online. it emphasizes the need for parents to be aware of the risks, prioritize their children’s safety and privacy, and consider the long-term consequences of their online actions. Society as a whole needs to grapple with the ethical questions surrounding the digital exposure of children.
