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These days, most of us have social media accounts, and they can be a lovely place to share our children’s milestones, whether that’s introducing them to the world just after they’ve been born, when they take their first steps or just when they do something that makes you laugh.
Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a proud parent, but there are some things you should think about when sharing images of your children online.
1. Review your social media account’s privacy settings
Make sure you’re in complete control of who can see the photos you post by checking through the privacy settings on your social media account. For greater privacy, why not set up a private social group that just includes your family members and closest friends?
Get more information on social media privacy settings here.
2. Keep checking your friend network
Review your network of friends on your social profiles regularly to make sure the people who are your ‘social friends’, are your actual friends, and that you’re happy for them to see your content.
3. Conduct some final checks before posting
Before you hit the post or send button, double check the content and photo one more time to make sure you’re not giving away any personal details, like your house number, road name or bank details that you’ve left in shot on the kitchen side!
4. Get permission if your photo features other children
If you’ve taken a great photo of a group of babies at your child’s first birthday party or you’ve taken a shot of a group of little ones playing together at the park, make sure you seek permission from the parents of the other children featured before you share the photo online.
5. Controlling your child’s digital footprint
During these early years, you are in charge of your child’s digital footprint, so remember that anything you post online has the potential to affect them later in life. Always be aware of what, and how much, you are sharing about your little ones as they grow up. Consider the images you are sharing of your child to ensure their privacy and dignity.
