approx. 4 min read
This weekend I listened to the second episode of the podcast "Kinder digital begleiten" – the topic: children's photos online. Until now I hadn't given it much thought, but this episode was a real eye-opener.
An honest look at family life in the digital age
How often do I reach for my smartphone every day? According to a study by the University of Bonn, people reach for their smartphone an average of 53 times a day – across all age groups. That even seems like a small number to me. My partner and I often reach for our phones: we check the weather, do online banking, write shopping lists – and end up scrolling through social media again and again. One device, so many possibilities. But how consciously do we actually deal with it, especially when children are involved?
Nina Bott – Authentic, honest, thought-provoking
In the second episode of the podcast "Kinder digital begleiten" hosted by Leonie Lutz, Nina Bott is a guest – actress, presenter, and mother of four children. Nina is known to many through her open and authentic portrayal of her family life on social media. But in the podcast she tells why she decided not to share any more photos of her children online.
The trigger: She had to learn that seemingly harmless pictures of her children had appeared on the darknet. A moment of shock that made her rethink. Nina speaks openly about what this experience did to her and how she has changed her handling of pictures of her children since then. She gives a striking example: If a stranger asked her for pictures of her children on the street, she would never give them – but online they are suddenly visible to many.
When harmless pictures become a danger
Another, often overlooked risk: children's photos can be used by adults to pose as children and adolescents on the internet and thus contact minors (keyword: cybergrooming). I had never thought about this possibility until now. But for me it is clear: I definitely don't want that!
Phone-free times and more conscious handling in everyday family life
In the end, Leonie and Nina draw the connection back to the beginning: family life with a smartphone. Nina tells how she tries to deal more consciously with her phone in everyday life. No phones at the dinner table, work emails when the children are out of the house. The time together remains "real" – without digital distraction. It works for her family, others may find their own way. What remains important: awareness and mutual respect.
Conclusion
Nina's experiences with children's photos online particularly moved me. Her example shows how quickly a harmless post can become a real danger. The question of whether and how we share children's photos is not an easy one – because we want to share special moments, but also protect our children. For me it is clear: there is no easy answer. But the responsibility we bear is great.
Sooner or later my children will have their own smartphones (currently they are happy with their Anio smartwatches). From that point on I have to trust that they will handle their pictures and data responsibly. That is why it is all the more important to me to convey to them an early awareness of privacy and the risks online. I want to make them strong so that they can confidently decide what they share – and what they better not. Until then I will continue to accompany them attentively and protect their privacy wherever I can.
Every family goes its own way. But we all bear responsibility for our children's digital world. The episode with Nina Bott motivated me to look closer and rethink my habits – because our children trust that we will protect them.
How do you deal with children's photos online?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or listen to the episode yourself – it's worth it!
Kinder digital begleiten: On Spotify & on Apple Podcasts
