Posting about your child online

Impact of social media posts on children

Young people look to their parents when it comes to developing and understanding acceptable behaviours. Consider the ways you're posting and sharing on social media, and what messages that might be sending your child.

What are you posting about your child?

• Think about the kinds of photos or videos you're sharing. You might think something is innocent or cute, but how might your child react to an embarrassing photo of themselves, especially if they're tagged for all their friends to see?
• Consider how many photos you're posting to your social media channels. Beware of oversharing or 'sharenting' about your child on social media. Read the privacy and your child advice from The Office of the eSafety Commissioner to learn about the risks and how you can protect your child when posting about them online.
• As your child gets older, it's a good idea to ask them for their consent before posting a photo or video. That way you can include your child in important decisions about their digital reputation. You'll also be role-modelling the behaviour you want to see when they post about friends.

Your activity on social media sends a message

• Are you using social media for good, or are you using it as a place to vent frustrations? Telling kids to be positive online is great but it's more powerful if you can show them what that means. Review your own social media use, and make sure you're sending the right message. Think about what you're posting, who you're following, and the kinds of comments you're making.
• How often are you looking at social media? Role model healthy screen time limits. If you expect your child to put their phone away at certain times or places, make sure you're being consistent in your use and following the same expectations. Consider working with your child to develop a social media charter or screen time plan.
• Are you capturing a moment rather than enjoying it? If you reach for your phone during any exciting family moment, it can send the wrong message about your priorities. Keep some experiences sacred by being present and giving them your full attention.
• Are you comfortable with your child seeing your social media feed? If you're happy to share your social media feed, you can use it as an example of a ‘positive online presence’. Talk about the things you share and why, to help your child make good decisions when sharing online, too.

Tips for families

Talk about sharing on social media

Social media is filled with examples of what happens when something goes viral, for better or worse. Examples of viral social media posts offer opportunities to talk to your child about what is and isn’t appropriate to share.

What to share

Posts that are:

• about their interests and activities
• supporting community activities
• raising awareness about issues or events.

What a positive post looks like

Positive social media posts promote important issues and bring people together. The WorldWithoutWaste campaign is a great example of how the impacts of social media can be far-reaching. It aims to collect and recycle a bottle or can for every one sold by 2030. 

What not to share

Posts that include:

• personal information
• photos or videos containing inappropriate content
• photos or videos that could identify where you live or go to school
• any content about anyone else without their awareness and permission
• comments that cause harm.

What a negative post looks like

A popular media personality was criticised for her Instagram ad for appetite-suppressing lollipops, for which she was widely criticised. Many people claimed she was encouraging eating disorders and poor body image. Her reputation suffered as a result, and she removed the post altogether.

Talk about sharing videos online

When talking with your child about sharing videos online, you can use these examples to get a conversation happening.

What to share

Videos that:

• celebrate your child’s interests
• help others to learn about a particular topic
• promote friendship and supportive behaviours
• encourage involvement in community activities.

What a positive video looks like

An example of a good video to share would be one featuring Kid President. The videos feature American teen Robby Novak, whose energy and positivity are helping to ‘make the world a less boring place’. His Pep talk from Kid President to You has been downloaded 48 million times and inspires in a child-friendly way.

What not to share

Videos that:

• feature inappropriate content
• encourage dangerous behaviour
• show people or animals being harmed
• demean or degrade others
• are insensitive to any person or group of people.

What a negative video looks like

A 2023 study by the University of NSW suggests that exposure to short-form, “appearance-ideal content” videos on social media can harm women's body image.

Fight videos can get viral on social media but these can be distressing for families. Sharing fight videos online may fall under the definition of cyberbullying – if the material is being reposted and targets a young person or child under the age of 18 years. Support is available from the eSafety Commissioner for parents and educators.