If you’re incessantly making Facebook posts about your baby, you may want to take a step back for a hot second.
What has been dubbed as “over-sharenting” in the social media world may be detrimental to your child in the future as they wouldn’t have an opportunity to create their own social media presence when it comes time to engage in Facebook and Twitter, according to the Washington Post.
“By the time children are old enough to use social media themselves many already have a digital identity created for them by their parents,” explained Sarah J. Clark, associate research scientist in the University of Michigan’s Department of Pediatrics.
She continued, “On one hand, social media offers today’s parents an outlet they find incredibly useful. On the other hand, some are concerned that oversharing may pose safety and privacy risks for their children.”
Many parents, without even realizing it sometimes, have been found to post embarrassing stories and inappropriate photos of their children. This can affect the privacy of their child as Facebook is an open platform to everyone.
“We’re not saying, ‘Don’t do this sharenting thing,’” stated Clark.
She added, “Do it in a thoughtful way, so that you feel good about what individuals — both in your family and close circle of friends, as well as strangers — what they might be seeing.”
Although “over-sharenting” has its cons, there are benefits to it for new parents. Mothers and fathers are reportedly able to discuss parenting skills and their child’s health on social media sites, a national University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital poll released Monday found, according to NY Daily News.
“This opportunity to connect with people helps a little bit. It’s not answering every question that you have, but it does give you some tips, and help parents feel less alone,” stated Clark.