Why Sharing Your Kids' Photos Online Might Not Be As Safe As You Think
Are you sharing too much about your children online?
Many parents are aware of the risks associated with posting photos of their children online. These risks can range from unpleasant to dangerous, including images being manipulated for evil or breaching a child's consent. However, it's not just the photos themselves that can be harmful; it's often the minor details shared alongside them.
Joanne Orlando, a digital wellbeing researcher at Western Sydney University, notes that parents are becoming more cautious about what and how often they post. But the concern goes beyond just photos. Dr. Orlando emphasizes that it's the minor details shared in captions, comments, or even the background of a photo that can reveal the most about a child. For instance, a photo of your little girl at dance class might include a sign in the distant background indicating the suburb or street it takes place. A caption stating, 'She's not amazing at dancing, but we keep trying, she's a trouper' provides insight into your child's character. Or a comment from a friend, 'We love XYZ dance school!', reveals where your daughter attends.
These seemingly innocuous details can paint a detailed picture of your child's identity, lifestyle, and personality. Dr. Orlando warns that this information can stick with the child as they grow older and, in the worst-case scenario, be exploited by predators. A predator might follow you, either subtly or openly, studying the photos, backgrounds, and comments. The more you post, the more hidden details that can be uncovered.
Nicholas Carah, director of the Centre for Digital Cultures and Societies at the University of Queensland, adds that images are 'full of other contextual information' about your life, including subtle indicators of your social status like the car you drive or the holidays you take. Even if your kids aren't in the photos or are obscured, this information can paint a picture of your life.
While it might be 'rare' for this information to be used maliciously, Dr. Carah notes that people seeking to connect with your children will use these details to create a sense of familiarity, which can be convincing or reassuring to your child.
The Long-Term Impact of Online Sharing
Attracting predators or having your child's photos posted on paedophile websites and forums are valid concerns, Dr. Orlando acknowledges. However, parents also need to consider the more subtle, long-term impacts of sharing their children online. Once details are posted, they can never be completely removed from the internet. AI can conduct background checks and dig up content, even if it's been deleted from a social media platform.
Children can't provide informed consent about what parents share of them online, and may later feel it was an invasion of privacy. Dr. Carah uses the example of parents sharing details of a child's health condition in online communities, which could be an impulsive decision. If it turns out to be a chronic health condition affecting the child in the long term, they might later regret sharing that information.
Safe Sharing Strategies
Dr. Carah suggests that it's not about stopping sharing your child's life altogether, but rather about sharing safely. For instance, instead of posting lots of photos on social media, you can share them in a family group chat, which reduces the risk but doesn't eliminate it entirely. It's about managing online circles in the same way you manage them in everyday life. There are things you'd share with your family but not with colleagues at work.
While many parents use emojis or blurring to protect children's faces online, Dr. Orlando notes that this is only helpful if done before posting. AI can remove emojis, so it's best to use the markup options to cover the face and then upload the photo. Additionally, it's a good practice to talk to family and friends about what's okay to share and to ask your child for permission before posting, even if they don't fully understand the implications yet. This helps develop their understanding of consent and respect.
