Thoughts on Sharenting

Protecting Privacy While Sharing the Joys of Fatherhood

Written by
Rob

As a parent, sharing the magic of fatherhood has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey. But there’s an important decision I’ve made about how I share these moments, especially when it comes to my daughter. You may have noticed that her face is never fully visible in the photos I post, and I’d like to share why.

Respecting Her Privacy

🌟 Too Young for Informed Consent: My daughter is too young to understand the implications of social media, let alone give informed consent to having her image shared online. Social media is forever, and I want to make sure that her digital footprint starts on her terms, not mine. As noted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, "Children's privacy is multifaceted, and their digital presence should be managed with their best interests in mind."

Focusing on the Journey, Not the Identity

💡 Highlighting the Experiences: My goal is to share the experiences, lessons, and joys of fatherhood—not to center the spotlight on her as an individual. Each moment I share is meant to inspire and connect with others navigating the beautiful complexities of parenting.

Taking Thoughtful Steps for Privacy

To ensure her privacy:

  • I use creative angles or natural elements like hair, hats, or lens flare to obscure her face in a playful and respectful way.
  • I intentionally avoid sharing any identifiable information about her.
  • For posts featuring her, comments are always turned off to keep the focus on the story rather than the image.

Research indicates that oversharing can expose children to risks like identity theft and unauthorized distribution of their images. The Journal of Pediatrics discusses the dangers of posting sensitive information about children, emphasizing the long-term implications for their privacy and security.

That said, I’m always open to meaningful conversations! Feel free to reach out to me at rob@sagedad.life with your thoughts, feedback, or suggestions.

Why This Matters

Parenting in the digital age comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to safeguarding our children’s identities. By taking these steps, I hope to set an example for other parents navigating similar decisions. Together, we can celebrate the joys of parenting while honoring our children’s right to privacy.

As The Journal of Pediatrics notes, "The way parents handle their child's online presence today can have lasting effects on their privacy and security in the future."

Thank you for understanding and being part of this journey with me.

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