You’ve just taken the single most amazing picture of your child that any parent has ever taken of their child. What’s your first instinct? Share it with your nearest and dearest on Instagram, of course!
But wait… does this make you a Sharent?
In our fast-paced digital-everything lifestyle, social media is as natural as breathing, or so it seems. And with this comes the urge to share everything with your social circle – hello, Sharents.
Sharents are many of us; proud parents who love sharing every delightful moment of their children’s lives with their online friends and followers.
Every day, Sharents embark on adventures armed with their Smartphones, capturing their children's first steps, soccer games, ballet recitals and birthday shenanigans. They post these cherished memories for everyone to see, earning hearts, likes and comments from far and wide.
Their feeds are filled with giggles, milestones, and the innocent wonder of childhood.
Sounds wonderful, right? But Sharenting comes with some challenges and pitfalls.
The saying goes, “The Internet is forever,” and everything you do online leaves a digital footprint. It is also unfortunate that we are now, in many ways, more exposed than ever.
Like with most things in life – sharenting is a bit of a mixed bag.
Ultimately, where you land as a “Sharent” is up to you as a parent. It’s worth taking note of the upsides AND knowing the potential pitfalls of sharing too much about your child on social media.
According to Barclays, sharenting could account for two-thirds of identity fraud facing young people by 2030. This risk arises because personal details shared online can be pieced together by fraudsters to create fake identities.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.