Health experts are warning parents about the dangers of oversharing details about their children on social media, a phenomenon known as “sharenting.” This includes posting private milestones, mistakes, and achievements that could have negative effects on a child’s self-esteem. Even seemingly innocent posts, like sharing a positive report card, can contribute to creating an idealized image of a child online, leading to pressure and dips in self-esteem. Some countries have put regulations in place to protect children online, but the U.S. lacks specific laws in this area, leaving it up to parents to determine when their social media use crosses a line.
The full impacts of sharenting have yet to be fully understood, but mental health issues caused by oversharing have already been observed in teenagers. Cleveland Clinic psychologist Dr. Susan Albers noted that teenage patients have brought up their parents’ digital behavior in counseling sessions, highlighting instances where children feel uncomfortable with the information being shared about them online. The long-term emotional impact of sharenting on children has not been extensively researched, but experts warn that it could lead to a variety of negative consequences that are currently unseen or fathomed.
Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel expressed similar concerns about the effects of sharenting on children’s mental health. He emphasized that children are already vulnerable to negative experiences on social media, such as bullying and ostracization, which can result in anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. The additional pressure of parents oversharing personal information about their children online can exacerbate these issues, creating a harmful environment for kids. Siegel stressed the importance of parents being mindful of the content they share and considering the potential consequences for their children’s well-being.
Sharenting can occur when parents become fixated on their social media engagement and seek validation or reactions through sharing personal details about their children. This behavior can have unintended consequences for kids, as it adds fuel to the fire of negative experiences they may already be facing online. The current lack of laws protecting children online in the U.S. puts the onus on parents to navigate the boundaries of what is appropriate to share about their children on social media. The blurred lines between privacy, autonomy, protection, and informed consent make it challenging for parents to determine when their sharing habits may be crossing a line and potentially harming their children’s mental health.
Experts emphasize the need for parents to be more conscious of the impact sharenting can have on their children’s emotional well-being. By being more selective and thoughtful about the information shared online, parents can help protect their children from potential harm caused by oversharing. As the long-term effects of sharenting are still being understood, it is crucial for parents to consider the implications of their digital behavior on their children and take steps to ensure that their online presence is not contributing to any negative consequences for their kids. Ultimately, safeguarding children’s mental health should be a top priority for parents as they navigate the complex world of social media and digital communication.
