Sharenting in 2026: How much is too much when sharing children’s lives online?

From the first-day-of-school photos to everyday reels and milestone updates, children today are growing up online long before they understand what that means. What started as a way to stay connected with friends and family has now become a common parenting trend, popularly known as ‘sharenting’.

The term refers to parents sharing photos, videos, or personal information about their children on social media platforms. It is a common behaviour fuelled by digital culture and social media.

A widespread digital habit

What may feel like a personal choice is, in reality, a large-scale behavioural shift. Studies show that around 75% of parents post content about their children online1, often starting when the child is just a few months old. In some cases, sharing begins very early, with research indicating that many parents start posting about their children within the first six months of the child’s life1.

The motivations are often well-intentioned. Research shows that parents share to document memories, stay connected with family, and express pride, with social validation also playing a role in shaping online behaviour1.

When sharing becomes exposure

However, experts are increasingly highlighting the risks associated with sharenting. Once something is posted online, it is hard to control who sees it and where it goes.

Studies2,3 warn that sharenting can expose children to identity theft, cyberbullying, and even exploitation, particularly when parents accidentally share details like their child’s location, school, or daily routine, etc.

A 2025 study by researchers at the University of Southampton found that 45% of parents actively post images of their children online2, and one in six parents reported that their child had experienced some form of harm as a result2.

The question of consent

One of the concerns about sharenting is that children do not get to choose what is shared about them. Parents decide what to post. Children often have little or no say in how their lives are projected online.

Experts note that this creates a long-term digital footprint that children have to live with even though they did not agree to it, raising questions around privacy, autonomy, and rights in the digital age.

There is also evidence that children, especially as they grow older, may feel uncomfortable with content shared about them, particularly when it involves personal or sensitive moments.

A shifting landscape in 2026

The conversation around sharenting is becoming more complex as technology evolves. With the rise of artificial intelligence and data aggregation tools, even seemingly harmless content can be reused or repurposed in unintended ways.

Researchers warn that digital content shared today can contribute to long-term data profiles, making children more vulnerable to privacy breaches and misuse of personal information.

At the same time, awareness is growing. Many parents are beginning to reconsider what they share, opting for more private channels or limiting identifiable details.

Where student life comes into the picture

As children grow older, their early digital footprint begins to intersect with their real-world experiences, particularly in school environments. Peer interactions, self-image, and digital awareness start to shape how children understand themselves and others.

Educators increasingly note that children today are not just passive consumers of technology but active participants in digital ecosystems. This makes early awareness around online behaviour, privacy, and responsible digital engagement more important than ever.

The role of schools in building digital awareness

Recognising this shift, schools are beginning to incorporate digital awareness into everyday learning. The focus is gradually expanding beyond academics to include conversations around online identity, privacy, and responsible technology use.

Institutions like Orchids The International School, for instance, emphasise a more holistic approach to education, where students are encouraged to build not just academic knowledge but also an understanding of how their digital presence evolves over time.

By introducing these ideas early, such approaches aim to prepare students for a world where offline and online identities are increasingly interconnected.

Finding the balance

Sharenting, at its core, stems from a desire to share moments of pride, connection, and memory. However, as research continues to highlight its long-term implications, the conversation is shifting.

In a world where a child’s digital identity can begin before they are old enough to understand it, the question is no longer whether parents should share, but how much is too much.

To know more about our curriculum, branches and admission process, visit Orchids The International School.

References:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11290302/
2. https://care.org.uk/news/2025/09/children-at-risk-of-online-harm-from-parents-sharing-photos-study-finds
3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13052-024-01704-y

Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Orchids The International School by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.