By outdoor-nature-child.com You’ve made the decision to keep your baby’s pictures off the internet, but how do you handle the constant requests for adorable photos from grandparents?
We spoke with Johana Bhuiyan, a parenting journalist, to understand how to navigate this common dilemma. In her eyes, it’s crucial for parents to protect their child’s privacy online, but the reality is that friends and family might not always get the message.
“After friends came over to meet my baby, I was shocked when they posted a picture on Instagram—with my child’s face fully visible!” Johana shared. “It wasn’t their fault; they were just caught up in the excitement. But it put me in an awkward position of asking them to take it down.”
Navigating these situations can feel uncomfortable, but it’s essential to communicate your boundaries. “Early on, I assumed people would notice we weren’t posting pictures of our baby online, but that didn’t happen,” Johana continued. “It’s far easier to proactively explain your stance on sharing photos rather than having to remove one later.”
Experts like Stephen Balkam from the Family Online Safety Institute believe awareness is growing around children’s digital privacy. “Open conversations about digital etiquette are becoming more common. Just like how asking someone to smoke outside became a standard approach, we’re gradually encouraging respectful boundaries about children’s photos,” Balkam explained.
Johana recommends making a mass announcement or sharing guidelines with friends and family at once to avoid repeated individual conversations. “Some of my friends chose to announce their child’s birth on social media while stating that they wouldn’t be sharing any photos,” she noted. “This avoids confusion and sets the tone for how they’d like their child’s image handled.”
If you’re hesitant to make a big announcement, consider leading by example. “Always ask before you share photos of other parents’ children, and make sure the images you post adhere to your own privacy rules,” Johana advised.
Moreover, being generous in other ways can foster goodwill with loved ones. “My friends Chelsea and Drew don’t post their son’s pictures publicly, but they share an iCloud album that family members can access, keeping everyone connected without compromising privacy.”
Also, consider enlisting the support of friends and family. Explaining your motivations for protecting your child’s privacy can encourage them to uphold your boundaries. “My relatives have reminded others not to share my son’s photos without permission,” Johana mentioned.
And finally, don’t forget that people make mistakes. “If someone forgets your rules, approach them kindly,” she said. “Most people are willing to comply when they understand your viewpoint. Confidence in your decision to protect your child’s privacy is key—you’re the parent, and it’s your right to set these boundaries.”