Feb 26 • 05:31 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany FAZ

Children's Photos on the Internet: We Need Rules for Family Influencers

The sharing of children's photos on social media has become a lucrative business model, often neglecting the protection of minors.

The practice of sharing children's images on social media, known as 'sharenting,' has blossomed into a profitable business for many parents and influencers. This trend raises significant concerns regarding the privacy and autonomy of the children whose photos are shared online, often without their consent or knowledge. Many parents document their children's lives—from innocent activities like playing in the pool to more personal moments like health issues and family disputes—transforming these intimate snapshots into a source of income on social media platforms.

As this practice continues to grow, there is an increasing call for regulations to protect minors in the digital space. The parents or guardians typically dictate the narrative and digital presence of their children, which can lead to long-term implications for a child's online identity and privacy. Experts warn that children may suffer from breaches of privacy and may struggle to understand the consequences of their online existence, as they have not been involved in the decision-making process surrounding the sharing of their images.

The conversation is shifting from viewing sharenting as a harmless trend to recognizing it as a potentially exploitative practice that requires formal guidelines. As more families engage in this behavior for financial gain, it becomes vital to create clear rules that balance the rights and protections of children with the freedoms that parents feel entitled to in sharing their lives online. Addressing these issues is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of children in an increasingly digital world.

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