Are You Sharing Too Much Information about Your Child Online?

Is it ever okay to discuss your child’s problems online? What if you are merely seeking advice? How do you know where to draw the line?  It is tempting to turn to the internet for quick answers and support. Perhaps your child is out of control. Or depressed. Or struggling in school. And you need advice… fast. It is comforting, helpful, and downright cathartic to vent and ask for guidance. We all know how worries and frustration can overwhelm. No family escapes the parenting years unscathed! But when you post personal, detailed, and yes, unintentionally incriminating information online, it may affect your child’s social and emotional well-being, and leave a trail that persists well into the future.  We warn our kids about the risks of posting embarrassing selfies, drunken party photos, or worse. We educate them about cyberbullying, and instill a healthy fear of what they might encounter online, along with tools for how to protect themselves. We remind them that whatever they post could reappear years later — and negatively impact a job prospect or college admissions.  Yet, many parents abandon all reserve when anxiety takes hold. The internet entices with the promise of delivering just the right clue to understanding our child’s struggles. And sometimes, it just feels good to know other parents feel the same way. In online forums, Facebook groups, and other venues, parents reveal confidential information about their child’s behaviors. Some post potential...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Children and Teens Parenting Technology social media Source Type: blogs