Viral TikTok mom sparks debate over sharing children's faces online

Every parent knows the joy of sharing their child's proudest moments, but when we upload these memories online, it raises important questions about privacy and security. A viral TikTok video with over 530,000 views has sparked a heated discussion among parents about sharing pictures of their children online.

Author Ruth – a mother and British health visitor – who posts under the account @RuthWattsHV, painstakingly described how much she knows about a child she has never met, thanks to photos, videos and captions posted by the child's parents Child's were shared on social media. Your takeaway? Parents should reconsider posting their children's faces online.

@ruthwattshv What's your opinion on this? Let me know in the comments ❤️ #parenting #parentsoftiktok #parentingtips #mumsoftiktok #mumlife #mum #healthvisitor #responsiveparenting #gentleparenting #parentingtips #parentingrules #babytok #babyhacksandtips #gentleparentingtips #wholesomemomcontent #mumcontent #momcontentcreator #healthvisitor ♬ Original sound – Ruth – Health Visitor and mom

For many, the video had a personal resonance. One commenter, @Minniemorris, praised the video, saying, “This is the best thing I've ever seen online,” while others immediately felt a sense of validation in their cautious use of social media. “As a new mom…this is exactly why most people have no idea I even have a child,” shared commenter @Nikita Blackmore. “The people who matter will see him grow up in person, not fake friends through a screen.”

It's a message that resonates in today's technology-driven world, where artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the landscape of digital privacy. But is it scaremongering or good advice? Let's tackle the problem.

How AI can affect your child's privacy

AI tools can do incredible things—like create lifelike art or automate everyday tasks—but they also pose privacy risks when it comes to online sharing:

• Facial recognition technology: AI can now scan an image and match it with publicly available information, potentially creating a digital profile of your child.
• Deepfake risks: Manipulative tools can use images of children to create harmful, synthetic content.
• Predictive modeling: AI can piece together fragments of information (like location markers or routine details) to paint a shockingly complete picture of a person's life.

These tools make it easier than ever for the wrong people to misuse harmlessly shared content.

What do the experts say?

Here's what privacy and parenting organizations have to say on the topic:

• Consider the “digital tattoo.” A child's digital footprint is permanent and can have long-term consequences, notes Common Sense Media, which advocates for healthy family media use. They recommend that parents pause before sharing and consider whether their child might one day regret having the content online.
• Think like a stranger. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) advises parents to be cautious about sharing personal information when posting images online that could reveal the child's whereabouts or daily routine. They warn that even seemingly harmless content can attract unwanted attention.
• Private vs. public accounts. The Family Online Safety Institute notes that personal accounts reduce risk, but do not eliminate it. It also notes that screenshots or sharing content by trusted followers can still spread your child's information beyond the target audience.
• Get creative with privacy. Platforms like Tinybeans, a family photo sharing app, offer safe ways to share moments with your loved ones without putting them on the open internet.

Make your preferences known to family and friends

A challenge for many parents is ensuring that family and friends respect their wishes regarding sharing their children's images. Communicating with family and friends about sharing children's images can prevent unwanted posts.

By setting clear boundaries early on, you can avoid potential frustrations, as commenter @cxitlyn.whitehouse14 shares: “Someone posted my newborn baby on Facebook before I even announced his birth. I was so upset I didn’t post anything with my son.” This type of boundary setting helps others understand the importance of protecting children's online presence.

Be sure to share pictures with other children

When sharing photos online, it's also important to consider any other children in the picture. Some parents want their children's pictures to remain private, and sharing group photos without permission can cause unintended problems. Commenter @Charlotte C expressed her frustration, noting: “What about other parents who share other children?” [social media] without parental consent? I see it all the time; annoys the hell out of me.

It is always best to communicate with other parents first and ensure privacy preferences are respected. By setting and respecting these boundaries, we help create a safer online environment for all children.

Are private accounts really safer?

People assume that private accounts are more secure, but that's not always true. While private profiles limit who can see your posts, screenshots can still be taken, shared, or hacked. Public accounts pose additional risks because they make your child's face and data available to everyone online, increasing exposure to AI algorithms or malicious actors.

My personal attitude: Become more selective

As someone who covers parenting online, this conversation hit close to home for me. I've become more selective about what I post, focusing on moments where my children's faces or identifying details aren't visible. It's not about fear, it's about making informed decisions in an evolving digital world.

Options without judgment

As you rethink your approach to sharing, consider the following options:

• Blur or obscure faces. Many parents now use emojis or creative cropping to protect their child's identity.
• Share with boundaries. Opt for private, invite-only platforms like Tinybeans or Google Photos for family sharing.
• Keep captions vague. Avoid sharing specific details such as names, locations, or routines.
• Ask your child. Involve older children in the decision-making process. How do you feel about putting your picture online?

Ultimately, how you share your child's picture – or not – is a personal decision. However, as technology continues to evolve, it is a step that all parents can take to ensure the safety of their children.