Sharenting Is a Dangerous Phenomenon. Nearly Every Second Parent Does It. The Dangers Are Lurking

Most parents who post pictures of their children online don't see anything wrong with it. However, access to all this content isn't just available to criminals or peers of our growing children. There is an even bigger threat that many may not realize.

Many parents today use the Internet and create social media profiles, treating them as a kind of diary where they store videos and photos from special, important moments, as well as from everyday life. They have everything in one place and can revisit it whenever they want. They feel proud, showing off their children, but unfortunately, many don’t realize the risks such actions pose in today’s world.

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Posting Pictures of Children Online Is an Underestimated Topic with Far-Reaching Consequences

Sharenting is a term likely familiar to most parents, referring to the sharing of videos and photos of their children online. In recent years, there has been much discussion about how dangerous this can be. Some parents are unaware of the consequences it can have for their children. Most notably, it provides free material for criminals. As children grow older, they become more vulnerable to unpleasant actions from their peers, who may use these images or videos to embarrass them. These are serious matters, and they should not be taken lightly. According to psychologists, many children suffer serious consequences from this issue every year.

According to the Child Rescue Coalition, the average parent posts up to 1,500 pictures and videos of their child online before the child turns five. Additionally:

According to the study 'Sharenting in Poland' conducted by NASK Academy, as many as 40% of parents share photos and videos from their children’s lives online. Even worse, only 25% of parents ask for their child’s consent beforehand.

Parents often think that the dangers come from criminals or their children's peers. However, the Media Forum Foundation notes that widespread access to AI technology may pose an even greater threat and problem.

In an age where artificial intelligence allows for the manipulation of photos and videos for any purpose, including by haters or, worse, sexual predators, concerns about the safety of children seem particularly justified

- emphasize the organizers of the "PhotoStop. Children's Pictures Don't Need to Be Online" campaign.