In the early days of social media, posting baby photos and family moments was harmless fun. Over time, however, a more complex picture has emerged that balances pride in sharing with respect for children’s privacy in an always‑online world. This balancing act has given rise to a cultural shift: many modern parents are stepping back from “sharenting.” That's the habit of frequently posting details about kids online. Increasingly, parents are opting for more mindful approaches that protect children’s right to privacy and autonomy.
Why Sharenting Is Changing: Awareness and Cultural Shifts
“Sharenting” — a blend of “sharing” and “parenting” — became a defining feature of digital parenthood, with many parents posting everything from newborn photos to school events and tantrum videos. In the past, most parents didn’t think twice about it because social media was simply the new family photo album. But today, parents are questioning this instinct.
One reason sharenting has started to decline is greater awareness of digital privacy issues. Most children have extensive digital footprints created by others long before they can speak for themselves. Research in pediatric health journals has found that children aged 4–17 often wish their parents would ask for consent before sharing their photos or stories online, highlighting a growing desire among kids themselves for control over their digital identity.
Another trend driving change is mindful sharenting. Parents are making a conscious effort to balance documenting family life with protecting a child’s online presence. Parents who practice mindful sharenting actively reduce potentially negative effects by thinking critically about when and how they post information about their children.
Evolving Legal Frameworks and Privacy Protections
The discussion around sharenting isn’t just cultural. It’s legal too. Different regions are shaping new laws and regulations that prioritize children’s privacy online. In the United States, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) has long set standards for how websites and apps handle the personal information of children under 13, including requirements for parental consent and data protection.
In Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and related privacy laws recognize children’s rights to control their personal data and even allow for the deletion of information when appropriate. Article 17 of the GDPR, often called the “right to erasure,” lets individuals request that platforms delete personal data — including photos or other sharenting content — especially when they were too young to consent when it was first posted.
Other privacy‑focused policies, like the UK’s Children’s Code, require online services to design features that protect children’s privacy by default, reducing the risk that personal data will be shared or used in ways that kids might later regret.
Beyond broad regulations, some jurisdictions are tackling unique issues related to parents monetizing content featuring their kids. For instance, Illinois passed a law requiring that children featured in monetized family vlogs receive a share of earnings, aiming to give minors a degree of financial protection and acknowledgment of their role in creating online content.
Practical Privacy Practices Parents Are Choosing
Rather than abandoning sharing altogether, many families are adopting thoughtful habits:
- Private sharing circles or cloud‑based albums instead of public feeds
- Asking for consent from children old enough to understand what it means to be online
- Saving candid moments offline in photo books or journals instead of posting them
- Co‑creating content with older kids, giving them agency over their digital personas
These practices help protect a child’s privacy while still capturing meaningful memories.
As awareness grows, both culturally and legally, the decline of uncritical sharenting reflects a broader commitment to letting children tell their own stories, on their own terms. By respecting kids’ autonomy and privacy, parents can shape a digital legacy that their children will appreciate later, not one they may someday wish they could erase.
