Digital Smarts - Parents Sharing Online – Pros and Cons

The concept of “oversharing” by parents with pictures, posts and updates on their children’s lives is not a new discussion. Now the phenomenon has a new name: “over-sharenting ”, and according to a new poll  done by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, 74% of parents say they know a parent who has shared too much information about a child on social media. 56% even said they knew someone who shared embarrassing information about a child. The pros of sharing online are that parents can use social media to discuss children’s health questions, parenting, and issues related to raising children. Nearly three-quarters of parents who took the poll said using social media makes them feel less alone. Experts say that is a good thing, especially for young parents who may live far from extended family, helping them feel connected and supported. On the flip side, 68% percent of respondents were concerned that their children's privacy could be compromised, 67% worry that someone will re-share their children's photos and 52% are concerned that their child will be embarrassed about posts when they are older. This latter concern is a consequence that parents should be cognizant of in the age of digital permanence. What might seem like a hilarious anecdote about a 2 year old now could become fodder for bullies in the future.