Oversharing Kids Online: Why “Sharenting” Hurts More Than It Helps
Parents are posting more than ever—but at what cost to their children’s privacy, safety, and sense of self?
In this episode, Andrew and Caroline tackle the growing issue of “sharenting:” the habit of sharing too much about kids online.
From cute toddler photos to venting about behaviour problems, they explore how these seemingly harmless posts can lead to embarrassment, digital footprints kids never consented to, and long-term risks to self-esteem and identity.
They unpack why parents overshare, what children actually think about it, and how to set healthy digital boundaries at home. With humour, honesty, and real-life examples, this episode invites everyone to rethink how we use technology and model online responsibility.
Homework Ideas
Audit your social media — scroll back through old posts and delete or archive anything that shares personal or potentially embarrassing info about your child.
Family discussion: ask your kids how they feel about photos or stories shared about them. Give them veto power going forward.
Define your “why” — before posting anything, pause and ask: Why am I sharing this? Who benefits?
Create a private space — set up a small, closed photo-sharing album (like Google Photos, Cluster, or Family Album) for grandparents or close family.
Replace online time with connection time — trade 15 minutes of scrolling for a walk, board game, or family check-in.
Other ideas to protect your child's privacy:
- American Psychological Association (APA): Guidelines on Children’s Digital Privacy
- Common Sense Media: Family Media Agreements and Privacy Tips
- Cybertip.ca: Parent resources for online safety and digital consent
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