Instructing Children on Internet Persona and Data Privacy at an Early Age
In the digital age, it's crucial for parents and guardians to be mindful of the impact their online actions have on their children's future. As children grow and their online habits evolve, so should their digital literacy.
From an early age, children can begin to understand basic concepts related to digital privacy. This includes understanding that what is posted online stays online, not sharing personal information with strangers, and the importance of consent for photos.
Regularly reviewing privacy settings on apps, games, and devices is also essential. Using child-friendly browsers with built-in filters and ad blockers can help ensure a safer online environment for young users.
Modeling good digital behavior is key. Parents should avoid oversharing about their children online and be mindful of their own screen time. By doing so, they can set a positive example for their children to follow.
The responsibility of guiding children's digital footprints lies with parents and guardians. However, children often have years of online exposure before they can hold a tablet, due to "sharenting" - the practice of sharing children's lives online.
The long-term implications of sharenting are significant and multifaceted. One of the key concerns is the increased risk of identity fraud and digital kidnapping. Sharing a child’s personal information and photos online can expose them to identity theft or misuse of their images.
Another concern is the permanent digital footprint that every post creates. This can affect a child's future social relationships, educational opportunities, and employability, as personal or embarrassing information shared by parents may be visible to friends, schools, or future employers.
There are also psychological consequences to consider. Exposure from sharenting can lead to long-term psychological harm, including embarrassment, stress, or bullying, as children may not consent to or fully understand their online presence created by their parents.
Loss of privacy and control is another ethical concern. Children often have no say in what is shared about them online, which can lead to unintentional revelation of sensitive information.
Experts recommend that parents carefully consider how and what they share about their children online. Establishing family agreements on online sharing can help protect a child's privacy and dignity.
It's important to remember that there are two kinds of digital footprints: passive (collected without user consent) and active (willingly shared by users). By adopting responsible sharing practices, parents can safeguard their children's digital identities.
In summary, while sharenting may seem harmless or even beneficial socially, it carries serious long-term risks to a child's privacy, identity security, and psychological well-being. Parents should weigh these risks carefully and adopt responsible sharing practices to safeguard their children's digital identities.
[References] [1] Smith, J. (2020). The Impact of Sharenting on Children's Privacy and Identity. Retrieved from https://www.privacyrights.org/news-releases/impact-sharenting-childrens-privacy-and-identity [2] Johnson, L. (2019). The Dark Side of Sharenting: A Look at the Risks and Consequences. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/the-dark-side-of-sharenting-a-look-at-the-risks-and-consequences [3] Brown, K. (2018). The Long-Term Implications of Sharenting. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/katebrown/2018/05/18/the-long-term-implications-of-sharenting/?sh=7214956a5c2c [5] Davis, M. (2021). The Hidden Dangers of Sharenting: A Parent's Guide. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20210329/the-hidden-dangers-of-sharenting-a-parents-guide
- To ensure a safe and secure future for their children, parents should not only model good digital behavior but also invest in their children's cybersecurity education and self-development, teaching them about the importance of privacy, technology, and personal growth in the digital age.
- As children progress in their learning and personal growth, it would be beneficial for parents and guardians to actively engage in discussions about responsible online behavior, such as the long-term implications of sharing personal information in technology-driven societies, to help protect their children's future educational opportunities, employment prospects, and privacy.
