Joking around and venting about parenting online is one thing. But using it to get some advice on parenting is another. A survey by C.S. Mott Children's Hospital found in 2023 that most parents think social media is a great place for getting parenting advice. 80% of the respondents said they use social media to discuss parenting topics.
The most popular topics that parents seek advice about are toilet training, kids' sleep schedules, nutrition, discipline, behavior problems, vaccinations, daycare, and socializing with other kids. Interestingly, not many parents think it's difficult to distinguish bad advice from good. 3 in 5 parents believe they're good at differentiating the good from the bad.
It can be nice to get some parenting support online. You don't have to wait for an appointment with your physician, and advice from social media is almost always free. However, experts warn parents not to trust any advice blindly. Especially when that advice is coming from fellow parents.
"Finding parent comradery in this space can have benefits but parents should keep in mind that every family’s experience is different and not everything they hear online may be accurate or the right thing for their child," Mott Poll Co-director Sarah Clark, M.P.H., noted.
According to experts, parents should be especially careful when sharing information about their children online. 80% of the parents from the same poll feel that other parents overshare on social media. That includes bragging about their children too much or just showing too much of their personal life online.
This brings us to a bigger issue that's important when it comes to parenting and social media: 'sharenting.' Luckily, many parents are aware of it and its dangers. 60% of parents believe that they might accidentally reveal the child's personal information that can help identify the child's location or embarrass the child when they're older.
"A good rule is if you have any doubt, don't share it," Sarah Clark said. "In addition, parents should consult with parents of other children in photos for approval before sharing them on social media."
She also recommends always stopping and thinking before posting. "Before posting, think about whether you’re sharing enough information to get someone else's advice without giving away too much personal information about your family."
Leah Plunkett, author of Sharenthood: Why We Should Think Before We Talk About Our Kids Online, says that it's also about the child's privacy. "We should think before we talk about our kids online, because all children deserve a private space to play, to make mischief, even make a few mistakes and grow up better for having made them," she told CBC radio.
