Sharing a funny toddler moment online can feel harmless. A first birthday, a messy mealtime or a particularly adorable outfit can be a lovely way to keep family and friends connected. But before you hit “post”, it is worth remembering that your child cannot yet make an informed decision about their digital footprint.
The practice of regularly sharing information, photographs or videos about your children online is often called “sharenting”. UNICEF warns that parents should consider not only who can see a post today, but how that information could affect a child in the future.
So, what should parents ask themselves before posting their toddler online?
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Do I really need to share this?
Start with the simplest question: Why am I posting this? Is it genuinely for family and friends, or am I looking for likes, engagement or validation?
There is nothing inherently wrong with sharing family moments, but not every moment needs an audience. A private family WhatsApp group, for example, may be a more appropriate option than a public social-media account.
Could this embarrass my child later?
Toddlers have no control over the images and stories adults create about them. That hilarious tantrum or bath-time photo may seem funny now, but imagine your child seeing it years later.
UNICEF recommends avoiding embarrassing stories and photographs and, importantly, never sharing images of children in a state of undress.
Am I revealing too much personal information?
A photograph can contain far more information than you realise. A school uniform, house number, street sign, name badge or location tag could reveal where your child spends time or where your family lives.
Before posting, check the background and remove geotags or other location information where possible.
Who exactly can see this?
“Friends only” does not necessarily mean a photograph will remain within your immediate circle. People can screenshot, download or forward content.
Review your followers and privacy settings regularly. Ask yourself whether you know everyone who can access your child’s photographs and whether you are comfortable with them having that access. UNICEF notes that once something is shared online, controlling where it goes can be extremely difficult.
Also see: 4 Simple ways to support your toddler’s brain development
Am I sharing information that belongs to my child?
In South Africa, privacy is not simply a social-media issue. The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) regulates the processing of personal information and contains specific provisions relating to children’s personal information. The Information Regulator’s guidance notes that personal information about children includes information shared on social media in certain circumstances.
For parents, the practical takeaway is straightforward: treat your toddler’s name, image, location and other identifying information as personal information deserving of care.
What would my child say if they could answer?
A toddler cannot give meaningful, informed consent to a public digital identity. As they grow, however, involve them increasingly in decisions about what is shared.
You can begin by modelling good digital boundaries: explain that photographs belong to people and that we should ask before sharing images of others. This teaches respect for privacy and consent from an early age.
Could this photo be misused?
Unfortunately, once an image is online, you cannot completely control who saves, alters or redistributes it. UNICEF has highlighted concerns including the misuse or repurposing of children’s images and the creation of harmful or misleading content using emerging technologies.
This does not mean parents should never share photographs. It means the safest approach is to share selectively, minimise identifying details and choose your audience carefully.
Ultimately, before sharing your toddler online, it’s important to pause and ask: Is it necessary, respectful, safe and something my child may be comfortable with in the future?
If the answer is uncertain, keep the moment offline. Your child will never know about the photograph you chose not to post – and sometimes that is precisely the point.
Also see: Top 5 screen-free activities for toddlers
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