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Admit it; we all have that one friend who bombards our Facebook newsfeed with photos of their children, boasting about how cute and talented they are. Maybe you’re that friend.
You may find it rewarding to post pictures of your children’s achievements, and happy moments on social media. But it can also be dangerous.
We spoke with Verlie Oosthuizen, the Head of Social Media Law at Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys, about online etiquette when it comes to kids.
Play it safe
The purpose of social media is to foster relationships and connect with people. It keeps friends and family in touch. This does not necessarily need to be discouraged as long as it is done in a safe manner.
Make the privacy settings on any social media account very strong. This way the images cannot be accessed by people who are not close friends, and children are protected from potential harm.
In South Africa, it is not legal to post pictures of naked children on a public platform. Not only is it dangerous in terms of attracting child predators, it is also a violation of dignity as children cannot give informed consent to have their images posted online.
Parents should also hold off on sharing pictures that include other people’s children. Some parents may not feel comfortable having their children’s pictures shared on social media. Before you post anything, make sure you have permission from the other families involved.
Sharing images that include details childrens' full names, current locations, and where they go to school should also be kept private. You never know who might use this information for purposes other than what was intended. The more you share, the more likely you or your child could be the victim of identity theft or even money scams.
Show respect
With the freedom to share comes responsibility, and parents are literally the guardians of their children’s images. Because young children may not be in a position to make a decision regarding their dignity, their body or the type of image that their parents portray, it is important to be respectful of their vulnerabilities.
If you think that your child may not want a particular picture made public, then don't share it. Respect their autonomy and privacy.
Remember: you don’t have to capture and post everything for the world to see. Some things can be kept in your heart and mind. Also, nothing ever gets lost on the Internet. What you post now will last for an eternity.
- (Kelly Abrahams, Health24)
