A digital footprint is defined as the trail of data left when using the internet. Most people create their own footprint consciously, but there is another side to consider: parents inadvertently creating their children’s footprint without their consent. 

Digital footprints can range from social media posts, online transactions, emails, location data, and more. Children are impacted indirectly by their parent’s online presence. Parents often share their children’s achievements on social media. This directly creates a digital trail that begins before the child is even aware of the digital world. While these posts may be rooted in love and pride, they can still grow to create complex privacy and security issues.

One major concern is privacy. As children grow, they may question the type of information their parents have shared without their consent. This also means that their reputation is first shaped not by themselves, but their parents instead. Everyone should have the right to control how they first appear on the internet. Embarrassing photos and videos shared could affect their social and professional lives in the future. 

This can also easily apply to people posting their friends without their knowledge. Opening a social media app and unexpectedly seeing your own face in a post you don’t feel comfortable with is a terrible feeling. Another concern is cybersecurity risks. When parents share information about their kids, it’s possible they could share too much which can potentially make them targets for identity theft or online harassment. Additionally, the oversharing could also make the individual feel exposed due to the decisions their parents have made about their online presence.

Fortunately, there are multiple different ways for family and friends to avoid this continuous loop of oversharing. The biggest and most important thing to remember before posting someone is consent. It’s crucial to consider others’ consent before sharing personal information, pictures, or videos of them. After asking for consent, it’s then important to respect that person’s boundaries. For parents, adjusting privacy settings is a great way to prevent sharing personal information of their children. Adjusting these settings can ensure that specific information is not accessible to the public. 

Digital footprints are a crucial part of our lives. Parents play the first role in shaping the identities of their kids, usually without their knowledge. While it may be with good intentions, it’s important for parents and everyone to consider the long-term effects of their online choices. By responsibly involving children and friends about consent, everyone can develop a positive online presence. Which can ensure that digital footprints are marked with consent, respect, and consideration for their future online independence.