The  Spanish National Police  warn that  72% of the material seized from pedophiles comes from images posted by the parents themselves . Therefore, in this article we explain what  sharenting is  and how to protect your children.

What is sharenting?

Sharenting  is the practice of sharing photos, videos ,  or information about children on social media. The term comes from combining the English words  ” share  ” and  ” parenting  .”

Although often done with love and innocence, this custom can pose serious risks to children’s privacy and safety. Recently, the  Spanish National Police  raised concerns by revealing that much of the  material seized from pedophiles comes from everyday images  that families themselves post  online.

72  % of the material found  on abusers’ devices consists of  photos and videos uploaded by parents  or family members. Furthermore, 89% of parents post images of their minor children on social media at least once a month, exacerbating this problem.

It’s not just what children see that matters, but also what the internet sees about them.

At the launch of a recent awareness campaign, Claudia Caso, director of the SOL Foundation, warned:  “What children see on the internet should be just as concerning as what the internet sees about them.”

This warning highlights an issue that, according to the police, many families overlook: when posting content on social media,  they lose control over where, how, and by whom it can be used.  Photos from a birthday party, a school uniform, or a family outing can end up on illegal forums or be used to physically locate the child.

The digital footprint: a danger that can last a lifetime

Sharenting   is not a new problem. A  BBC Mundo report  in 2018 already highlighted it as a growing trend and, at the same time, a topic that divides opinions. According to the British telecommunications regulator (Ofcom), although 80% of parents limit the visibility of these posts, each photo and video creates a digital footprint that will accompany the child throughout their life.

The British organization NSPCC sums it up like this:  “Every time a photo or video is posted, it creates a digital footprint of the child that can follow them into adulthood.”

And the risk isn’t just moral or related to privacy. Barclays bank has estimated that, by 2030  , sharenting could be responsible for  two-thirds of identity theft cases , with an economic impact of nearly $870 million.

Types of parents who practice sharenting

The specialists identify three common profiles:

• The proud ones : share every achievement or moment of the child, from birth.
• The protectors : they publish in moderation and protect privacy.
• Those who are irritated : overwhelmed by overexposure, avoid showing direct photos.

Regardless of their profile, all parents are exposed to risks if they do not apply protective measures.

How to safely share photos of your children on social media

Police and child protection organizations recommend:

• Avoid publishing identifying information : full name, school uniform, addresses, or vehicle license plates.
• Disable geolocation  of posts.
• Configure privacy settings  (always use closed profiles) and review who can see the content.
• Ask for consent  from family and friends before uploading photos of the minor.
• Think before you post : if the image could embarrass the child in the future, it’s best not to upload it.

As a police motto says:  “The best image of a minor is the one that is not shared.”

Conclusion

Sharing our children’s lives on social media isn’t illegal, but it does come with a great deal of responsibility. The digital world never forgets, and the consequences of a post can surface years later. The key is to protect them today to avoid regrets tomorrow.