Michael In Albon on the subject of sharenting "A feast for people with paedophile tendencies"
Sharing children's photos on the internet is tricky. Before the online parents' evening, youth media protection officer Michael In Albon reveals what to look out for in particular and what the consequences of sharenting can be.
Anyone researching the topic of "sharenting", how children's images are shared on the internet, doesn't have to look far: The internet is a veritable playground for pictures and videos of our little ones. Once photos and videos of children have been uploaded, even adults no longer have any control over what happens to these images. Parents should therefore think carefully about what they share and with whom.
Although sharenting, i.e. sharing children's photos online, is widespread and carries risks, it is rarely discussed. To encourage parents and guardians, Swisscom is organizing a free online parents' evening together with blue News on Tuesday, 19 November at 8 pm.
The youth media protection officer Michael In Albon will also be taking part in the discussion with Claudia Lässer. Even before the parents' evening, he will be giving blue News an insight into his own approach to children's images and which tips are most helpful on the subject.
Michael In Albon, you are a father yourself. Where do the photos with your children end up?
Apart from for business reasons, I'm rarely present on social media. I don't use the platforms as a diary of my private life, but would I really never have posted a photo of my children online in the past? I wouldn't put my hand in the fire.
What can happen if you are less careful than you are
A few risks are very tangible and arise from the very first post: for example, we parents take on the task of shaping our children's online identity in the digital space. And we often do this without consulting the child. Let's imagine this: Christmas party, someone takes photos. And we all automatically want to see the photo to check whether we look good in it. We should give children the same right. Other risks are less tangible, but unfortunately often a reality.
What are they?
An unflattering video of a child can be discovered years later by schoolmates and become the starting point for bullying. Because the internet never forgets. Children's pictures on the internet are a feast for people with paedophile tendencies. And by posting photos and videos of the last beach vacation online, for example, these materials may reappear on child pornography sites. Or become the basis for AI-based content. That's not what you want as a parent.
What would be your most important tip for parents when dealing with children's images?
It would be best if we didn't post any pictures of our children online at all. But I know that's unrealistic. However, a lot can be gained by sticking to these rules:
Photos with bare skin are taboo.
Hide the face by cropping it, only showing the child from behind or covering the face with a funny smiley sticker.
Restrict the visibility of a post to just a few friends and relatives. Also think about the status picture on WhatsApp - you should limit visibility there too.
And communicate your rules to grandparents too. They are usually just as proud and want to show the whole world how cute their grandchildren are.
In the worst case, can sharenting make you liable to prosecution?
No, sharenting is not a criminal offense in its own right. However, there have already been judgments abroad where young people have claimed their right to have a say in their online presence. This is because the right to one's own image also applies to minors.
What can you do if a third party uploads images of a child to social media?
You need to react quickly. Ask the person to delete the picture immediately. This does not mean that the picture may not have already been passed on, but it will massively reduce further distribution. Then clarify with the person what rules you have laid down for pictures of your child in order to avoid any repetition.
What is your assessment of the current political situation regarding child protection?
Legal requirements for the protection of minors in the media are one way of protecting our children in the media. However, there is always something attractive about bans. The continuous promotion of media skills to encourage children to use media responsibly seems to me and to science to be the most effective way. And parents play a central role in this as role models.
How to be safe when dealing with children's images
If you want to find out more before the online parents' evening, you can find helpful information about media safety on Swisscom Campus.
Sharing children's pictures: How to protect children's privacy online
- Don't show children's faces.
- Don't share embarrassing or intimate situations; if in doubt, it's better not to do so.
- Share as little information as possible, leave out sensitive information.
- Check your privacy settings, only share content with trustworthy people.
- Use encrypted messaging services.
- Ask older children for their consent before posting.
Parents or grandparents often mean no harm when they post photos of their children online. But they can violate their children's privacy.
Image: Pexels, Markus Spiske
At Swisscom's online parents' evening, three media professionals, including Michael In Albon, Youth Media Protection Officer at Swisscom, answer questions on the subject of sharenting.
Image: Swisscom
Psychologist Stephanie Karrer will also be giving tips on November 19 on how parents can protect their child's privacy online.
Image: Swisscom
As a father, media expert Reto Fehr deals with the topic of sharenting on a daily basis - and will of course be present at the online parents' evening.
Image: Swisscom
The evening will be hosted by TV presenter Claudia Lässer.
Image: Swisscom
Parents or grandparents often mean no harm when they post photos of their children online. But they can violate their children's privacy.
Image: Pexels, Markus Spiske
At Swisscom's online parents' evening, three media professionals, including Michael In Albon, Youth Media Protection Officer at Swisscom, answer questions on the subject of sharenting.
Image: Swisscom
Psychologist Stephanie Karrer will also be giving tips on November 19 on how parents can protect their child's privacy online.
Image: Swisscom
As a father, media expert Reto Fehr deals with the topic of sharenting on a daily basis - and will of course be present at the online parents' evening.
Image: Swisscom
The evening will be hosted by TV presenter Claudia Lässer.
Image: Swisscom
