SHARENTING, AI AND SAFEGUARDING: Questions Parents Need to Ask
WRITTEN BY PHILIPPA DOBRÉE-CAREY, AUTHOR OF FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO UNI
Sharing photos of our children has become an everyday part of family life, particularly when loved ones live far away. But as technology evolves, so do the risks.A few simple questions can help families share those precious moments while protecting their children’s privacy.
A few years ago, my daughter gave me one of those parenting moments that stays with you. We had spent the day on the beach in Hawai’i during a family trip. Like many parents living far from families and friends, I sent a photo of us sunbathing and playing in the waves to the family WhatsApp group. Within seconds, my daughter was telling me off: “You should have asked me first.” At the time, I thought she was overreacting. It wasn’t Facebook or Instagram. It was a private family message. But she was right. Without thinking, I had made a decision about her digital identity without asking her. Many of us have done it. Parenting can
be isolating, particularly for international families. Photos help grandparents watch children grow up from another country. They keep friendships going. And they let us share the moments we are proud of, whether that is a winning goal or a role in the school play. There is nothing strange or irresponsible about wanting to share these things. The issue is that the risks have changed. Those of us born in the 70’s and 80’s joke that we don’t have a digital footprint that could embarrass us. (Well, apart from that annoying friend who somehow uploaded high school photos of us with braces, Sun-in highlights and a terrible perm). Our children do not have that luxury. Their online presence may have
started on the day they were born - created by the people who love them most. Most parents understand the issues around sharing images. An old photo may embarrass their child later. Images could be copied, used in bullying or shared more widely than intended. Privacy is only part of the problem. Once something is online, it can be very difficult to remove completely. As a safeguarding professional and a qualified investigator in sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, I am increasingly concerned about what happens after
“Without thinking, I had made a decision about her digital identity without asking her.”
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PARENT AUTUMN 2026 | 20
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