How would you have liked it if your parents shared every embarrassing detail of your childhood with friends and family? It’s a good thing the 80s and 90s weren’t that documented. Just think about the hairstyles and outfits alone!

In this week’s podcast episode, Tara interviews Dr. Devorah Heitner, an expert in media technology and society and author of the new book, Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World. Tara and Dr. Heitner explore the concept of 'sharenting' - parents sharing about their families online. While it can be a way for parents to seek recognition and maintain connections, Dr. Heitner encourages us to engage in real-life conversations and respect our children's privacy. One phone call with a good friend can be more beneficial than 1,000 Instagram likes.

The pair also discuss the importance of teaching children about consent and privacy. By respecting their privacy at home, parents can guide children to understand the ethical implications of sharing content without consent. 

They also stress the need to prepare kids for situations where they may encounter inappropriate content or unsolicited messages online. They even highlight the importance of teaching kids about their options when faced with negative comments or uncomfortable situations online.

What’s a parent to do in this brave new digital world? Dr. Heitner emphasizes actively mentoring kids and having open conversations about online behavior, even if it’s uncomfortable. Instead of covertly monitoring their activities, she encourages parents to establish parameters for online behavior and focus on teaching kids to be mindful of the impact their posts can have on others.

If you’re a parent living in the 21st Century, then this episode is for you! 

Links:

https://devorahheitner.com/

https://devorahheitner.com/growing-up-in-public/

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