Children of Polish Parents Online - Dimensions and Sharenting Risks

Abstract

Sharenting, as a phenomenon involving parents sharing their child's image on social media, is becoming increasingly prevalent in Poland and around the world. More and more children have their first digital footprint before birth or before turning 6 months old. Many parents see no harm in showcasing the image and data related to their child on the internet. In this context, it is important to draw attention to the potential consequences and threats associated with publicizing photos and posts related to children. This article attempts to present the phenomenon of sharenting among Polish parents and the potential risks associated with it. It is based on research conducted in 2023 on a sample of 80 posts shared by parents on Instagram and Facebook, as well as an analysis of available research results on sharenting and the resulting threats. In the article, by showcasing various aspects of a child's life and functioning displayed on social media by Polish parents, we aim to indicate how sharing a child's image can pose a threat to their physical and psychological well-being.