Do You Post Photos Of Your Children on Social Media?

Should Parents Post Photos of Their Kids Online? The Debate Around “Sharenting”

Social media has changed the way we document and share our lives — including our children’s. From pregnancy announcements to birthday photos and first-day-of-school portraits, many modern parents treat social platforms like a digital scrapbook. But as concerns around privacy, consent, and digital footprints grow, more parents are starting to question whether posting pictures of their kids is harmless… or something they may regret later.

That brings us to this week’s member poll: Do you post photos of your children on social media?

Before you vote, here’s a look at both sides of the debate.

Why Some Parents Choose to Share

Many parents feel sharing online helps them:

• Stay connected with family and friends — especially those who live far away.

• Preserve memories in a place where they can’t be lost or damaged.

• Celebrate milestones and build a sense of community during the early years.

• Find support, especially in parenting groups or private mom communities.

Some parents also say that posting photos helps normalize real parenthood — baby messes, chaotic mornings, and all.

Why Others Choose NOT to Share

On the other side, many parents are opting out — or limiting what they share — because of concerns such as:

• Digital footprints: Once online, a child’s photo may remain forever, even if deleted.

• Consent: Babies and young kids can’t decide whether they want their image online.

• Identity misuse: Photos can be copied, saved, or even used inappropriately.

• Facial recognition technology: Some worry about how tech companies may use or store images long-term.

• Future embarrassment: No toddler wants their potty-training photos resurfacing at age 15.

Some parents choose middle-ground methods, like posting only photos without faces, initials instead of full names, or using private accounts instead of public ones.

The Middle Ground: “Controlled Sharing”

Many families now follow a “share with caution” approach, such as:

• Private profiles limited to close friends and family

• Only posting milestone photos, not daily life

• Avoiding bath photos or anything that could embarrass a child later

• Turning off geotags so their location isn’t revealed

• Using initials instead of names

• Asking children for consent once they’re old enough to understand

Now It’s Your Turn — Vote in Our Member Poll

We want to hear from Canadian parents:

Do you post photos of your children on social media?

• Regularly
  
• Occasionally
  
• Only in private settings
  
• Never
  
• Still deciding
  

Vote now and see the results instantly.