Tips: How to Protect Your Child’s Privacy Online

Sharing moments from daily life is a natural way to let friends and family be part of your world. But in the process of sharing, we often forget how sensitive some content can be, especially when it involves children. A cute photo today might become a source of embarrassment tomorrow.

Here are 11 important tips to help you protect your child’s privacy on the internet:

  • Make sure your social media profiles are set to private, and take a minute now and then to double-check who can actually see your posts. Keep your circle small and trusted.

  • Avoid posting names, locations, school names, or regular routines. These details can be pieced together and used for tracking or targeting.

  • Something funny or sweet now could feel uncomfortable or humiliating for your child in the future. Only post what you’d still feel good about them seeing as a teenager.


  • Try using emojis, stickers, or just framing the photo differently. Keeping your child’s face less recognizable is a simple but powerful step.

  • You still capture the moment, just without fully showing your child’s face. Sometimes it even looks more artistic!

  • Think twice about posting pics where your child is in swimwear, underwear, or anything too revealing—even if it seems innocent. Out-of-context images can spread fast.

  • With the rise of AI, even a single image can be manipulated, reused, or misused in unexpected ways. The less identifiable the photo, the better. You can learn more about the risks and dangers under Risks

  • Before posting a picture, take a brief pause. Close your eyes for a moment and ask yourself honestly: What does my child gain from me sharing this?

    If the answer mainly revolves around your own needs—likes, validation, or staying connected—it may be worth reconsidering. A moment of reflection can make a big difference in protecting your child’s long-term well-being.

  • If you really want to share a special moment with family or close friends, consider using features like one-time view or expiring messages. These allow you to show a photo without it being saved, forwarded, or widely spread.

    And sometimes, the simplest solution is best: just show the picture directly on your phone—no need to send it at all. Sharing doesn’t always mean uploading.

  • Talk to others about sharenting—the act of sharing children’s lives online. Speak with your child’s school or daycare about their media and privacy policies. Ask how they handle photos and whether you can request the removal of images. Check if your child’s sports club or hobby group publishes pictures and how they ensure data protection.

    Don’t be afraid to start the conversation. Encouraging awareness and responsible digital habits within your community can lead to lasting change. Privacy protection is not just a personal responsibility—it’s a shared one.

  • Before posting, ask your child for permission, even if they’re still young. They may not fully understand the internet, but they can learn something just as important: consent.

    By involving them in the decision, you show that their body, their image, and their feelings matter. That teaches them that no one should share anything about them without asking first, including their own parents.