Sharenting Dilemma: Kaspersky Study Reveals Risks to Children's Data in Asia Pacific

The phenomenon of sharing parenting moments on social media, known as sharenting, is now under serious scrutiny. An in-depth study titled ‘Small Shares, Big Risks: How Parents Assess Threats and Cope with Sharing of Children’s Data’ has revealed deep concerns among parents in the Asia Pacific region and Egypt regarding their children’s digital security. The collaborative study, conducted by Kaspersky and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), involved 152 respondents from various countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Egypt. The results show that although sharenting provides a sense of social connection, significant risks lurk behind every uploaded photo or video of a child. The majority of parents are aware that the information they voluntarily share can backfire. The greatest fear arises from the potential misuse of data by unknown parties and the tracking of a child’s physical location. Associate Professor Jiow Hee Jhee from SIT emphasised that this discomfort is an important first step. ‘These concerns are valid and show how vulnerable children are without parents fully realising it. Awareness of these risks is the first step towards wiser sharing decisions,’ he said. The research also highlighted an internal conflict or dilemma within parents. On one hand, sharing a child’s moments provides emotional satisfaction and network support, but on the other, there is a strong urge to protect privacy. Data shows that 48% of parents feel positive when sharing their child’s important moments, yet uniquely, 82% of respondents admitted they do not regularly update their family achievements on social media. This indicates that the majority of parents are beginning to take a more cautious approach. Trishia Octaviano, Senior Manager for Cybersecurity Education at Kaspersky Asia Pacific, warned about the creation of digital profiles. ‘Social media platforms can depict a child’s behaviour as a potential consumer using other users’ data, even if the child does not yet have their own account,’ she explained. To minimise risks without having to stop sharing entirely, Kaspersky experts suggest the following protective measures.