In today’s digital age, the phenomenon of “sharenting”—parents sharing intimate details of their children’s lives online—has become disturbingly common. This trend, driven by the quest for views and attention, raises significant ethical questions about privacy, consent, and the long-term impact on children.
Parents today, often influencers themselves, seem to have a different mindset, viewing every moment as potential content for their social media channels. This compulsion to share can lead to the exploitation of their children’s private moments, sometimes for shock value or engagement. The term “anything for views parenting,” coined by Kiki Chanel, encapsulates this troubling trend. The boundaries of what is appropriate to share have blurred, with parents documenting everything from tantrums to personal milestones like a child’s first period or crush.
This oversharing not only invades children’s privacy but also subjects them to potential ridicule and exploitation. Videos of children in distress, such as reacting to a parent’s shaved facial hair or having a meltdown at Disney, are posted for public consumption, often without considering the child’s feelings or future implications. The intent behind these posts is often to attract views, with little regard for the child’s dignity or privacy.
Moreover, the trend extends to sharing children’s medical conditions, turning emergencies into content. This not only compromises the child’s privacy but also raises concerns about the parents’ priorities. The immediacy of social media has led to a culture where the first response to a crisis is to document it, rather than address the issue at hand.
The most disturbing aspect of this trend is the potential for exploitation by unsavoury individuals online. Parents post videos of their children doing or saying things that can be misinterpreted, often resulting in high view counts and shares, indicating that not all viewers have innocent intentions. This raises serious concerns about the safety and security of the content once it is online.
Ultimately, the responsibility lies with parents to critically evaluate what they share about their children. The internet is not a private photo album; once content is posted, it is out of their control. Parents must prioritise their children’s privacy and safety over the fleeting gratification of likes and views. As we navigate this digital landscape, it is crucial to establish and respect boundaries, ensuring that we do not sacrifice our children’s well-being for the sake of online fame.