A recent survey conducted by the Toluna Research Agency at the request of Kaspersky has revealed that nearly half of parents across the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa (48%) regularly keep sharing photos, videos, or updates of their children on social media. While the majority of these parents (72%) limit visibility to friends or followers, more than a quarter (28%) maintain fully public accounts, making their children’s content accessible to any internet user.

Motivations and Consent

The primary motivation for sharing is the preservation of memories, cited by 64% of respondents, while 42% post out of pride in their children’s achievements. However, social pressure and engagement also influence behaviour; 21% post because they see others doing so, and 10% admit to sharing content specifically to increase follower counts or likes. While 59% of parents claim to ask for their child’s permission before posting, one in five admits to publishing content even if the child disagrees.

Long-Term Security Risks

Experts warn that what may seem like a harmless family moment can contribute to a permanent digital footprint with long-term risks. Oversharing can unintentionally expose sensitive details such as full names, birth dates, school locations, and daily routines. This data can be exploited for identity theft, fraud, or social engineering. Furthermore, publicly available images and videos can be altered or redistributed without consent, potentially leading to reputational harm as the child grows up.

Guidelines for Safer Online Sharing

To safeguard children’s data and share safely, it is recommended to follow this advice:

  • Limit access to social media accounts and make them visible to friends only, ensuring that you only add people you know personally. Do not forget to enable general safety settings such as two-factor authentication and a secure password.
  • Do not share materials that may cause any harm to your child, such as their contact information, the name of their school, or their daily routines.
  • Maintain open and trusting relationships with your children, talk to them about digital hygiene and online safety, and lead by example by practising responsible and mindful behaviour on social media.
  • Consider using a reliable security solution with a dedicated kids’ module, which helps guard family and private data while protecting children online and beyond.

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