Let’s chat about a topic that continues to weigh on my mind as it has for some time: the hidden perils of sharing our children’s lives online.
I know…It feels so natural to share those treasured family moments with friends and extended family. But there’s more lurking beneath the surface than we might initially think.
Each post leaves behind a digital footprint that's more permanent than we might imagine, so it’s essential that we navigate this digital landscape thoughtfully.
Dive Into the Data Trail: Start with a Single Photo
You know how we enjoy sharing those adorable snapshots of our kids? Or sometimes even the not so adorable ones 🤷🏻♀️
Well, here’s something to think about: facial recognition technology is sharp.
Really sharp.
Social media platforms index faces to build biometric profiles, and these profiles can persist even after we delete the photo. If we don't disable geotagging, those cute parks and schools we frequent with our little ones suddenly become GPS coordinates for anyone online to find.
Who knew, right?
When “Cute” Becomes Risky Business
I used to love sharing about my kids just like you do. Their birthdates, school adventures, and all those unique hobbies are part of this motherhood journey that we want to celebrate!
But, here's the catch:
These details can make our kiddos vulnerable in ways we might not have considered. Identity thieves thrive on birthdates, school names can lead to unwanted attention or bullying, and sharing their hobbies online could expose them to targeted ads or worse, unsuitable contacts through grooming attempts.
It’s a lot, I know!
Real-World Consequences
The digital world isn’t always the safe haven we imagine or hope it would be. We must be vigilant against cyber-grooming by individuals who comb through public feeds. Identity theft is another growing concern, as our children's clean credit histories are perfect targets. 🎯
Even those vacation photos, as innocent as they seem, can expose where our families are at a given moment.
There’s another layer to this, too: our teens’ identities can feel overshadowed by their digital presence, leading to anxiety and strained family relations. As parents, we want to safeguard their private worlds while letting them thrive.
In hindsight, we did some things well and others, not so well. And the pressures on both kids and parents to be super connected in the digital world we live in has grown since mine were younger.
So, What Can We Do?
Best Practices for Us Moms
Okay, let's arm ourselves with some practical steps:
1. Privacy-First Mindset:
Before hitting that post button, ask, "Is this truly safe to share?"
2. Metadata and Geotags:
Turn off those geotagging features. It's easier than it seems with a quick look at phone settings or helpful apps.
3. Keep It Vague:
When it comes to details like exact birth dates or schools, the less specific, the better.
4. Educate Early:
Let's chat with our kids about digital footprints and privacy so they’re informed and empowered.
5. Platform Controls:
Regularly tighten those privacy settings and scrutinize those followers.
6. Secure Your Memories:
Services like Proton Drive (which I’ve been using more and more recently) can help keep our cherished memories just for our eyes and those we choose to share them with.
[Get Proton’s suite of products
Striking the Perfect Balance
Sharing our kids' achievements or our family joys doesn’t have to stop cold if you are a big share-er. Consider creating private albums for close family or friends, share milestone news without too many visuals, or use heartfelt storytelling that doesn’t rely on photos. It’s about painting a picture with words that shines just as brightly.
In wrapping up, remember that we moms are the first line of defense for our children in this digital space. With a little care and privacy-focused diligence, we can create a safer online environment for our families. Let's allow our children to connect and explore a digital world full of potential—all while safeguarding what matters most.
Stay safe and keep learning, growing & loving,
💓
Dawn
P.S. Help grow our circle of second moms on Facebook created to support moms like you who are raising children in a non-traditional adoptive/blended family: Join our Circle! Begin with the Second Moms Circle Facebook group
We’d love to see you there!
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