### Building a Foundation: Protecting Children Ages 0-10
The early years are crucial for establishing a positive digital foundation while protecting children who cannot yet advocate for themselves.
Parental Sharing Guidelines
Before sharing any content featuring your child, apply the "Future Adult Test": Would you be comfortable with a future employer, college admissions officer, or romantic partner seeing this content when your child is 25 years old?
Photos and Videos to Avoid Sharing:
- Bath time, potty training, or other states of undress - Tantrums, meltdowns, or disciplinary moments - Embarrassing situations that could cause future social harm - Medical situations or discussions about health issues - Content that reveals specific location information (home address, school, regular activities) - Photos with other children without explicit permission from their parentsSafe Sharing Practices:
1. Use Privacy Settings: Share with close friends and family only, never publicly 2. Avoid Geotagging: Turn off location services for photos you plan to share 3. Get Permission: Ask other parents before sharing photos that include their children 4. Consider the Child's Perspective: Ask yourself if your child would want this shared when they're older 5. Create Positive Narratives: Focus on achievements, milestones, and positive momentsCreating Controlled Digital Footprints
Rather than avoiding digital presence entirely, parents can strategically create positive digital foundations for their children.
Educational Achievements Documentation:
- Create private digital portfolios of academic achievements - Document extracurricular activities and community service - Maintain records of awards and recognitions - Preserve positive teacher recommendations and feedbackTalent and Interest Development:
- Document artistic, musical, or athletic progress appropriately - Create private YouTube channels for family sharing of performances - Build portfolios that could support future college or scholarship applications - Maintain appropriate boundaries between documentation and exploitationFamily History and Relationships:
- Create private family blogs or photo albums that children can access when older - Document family traditions and cultural heritage - Maintain appropriate extended family connections - Build positive narrative threads about family values and experiencesPrivacy Protection Strategies
Account Security for Children:
Even young children often have digital accounts (educational platforms, games, streaming services). Securing these early accounts prevents future complications.1. Email Account Management: - Create email accounts for children using full names (not nicknames) - Use strong, unique passwords managed by parents - Enable two-factor authentication where available - Monitor all account activity and communications
2. Educational Platform Privacy: - Review privacy policies of all educational tools and platforms - Opt out of data sharing and marketing communications - Request deletion of unnecessary data and accounts - Maintain records of accounts created and their purposes
3. Gaming and Entertainment Accounts: - Use age-appropriate usernames (never real names for gaming) - Disable voice and video chat features - Review friend/contact lists regularly - Set strict privacy settings on all platforms
Teaching Early Digital Literacy
Even young children can begin learning age-appropriate concepts about digital presence and online safety.