Sharenting or Parenting? Promoting Awareness of Children's Rights in the Digital World

Asociatia ZIFT Educatie si Sport participated as a partner in the Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project “Sharenting or Parenting?” (Reference No: 2024-1-HU01-KA153-YOU-000198459), hosted by Kicsi Szívek Egyesülete in Budapest, Hungary, from 9 to 15 December 2024. Bringing together youth workers from Hungary, Portugal, Italy, Türkiye, and Romania, the project examined how parents' social media sharing about their children affects children's rights, privacy, and digital safety.

During the educational seminars, participants explored the concept of children's digital footprints in depth. Through case studies and audiovisual materials, they discussed how social media posts can leave permanent traces that may influence children's future lives, increase the risk of online abuse, and affect their psychological development through the creation of digital identities. The sessions also addressed online child abuse, highlighting how seemingly harmless posts can sometimes lead to violations of children's rights.

To put theory into practice, participants took part in the "Over-Sharenting Hunt" activity, working in international groups to analyze examples of excessive social media sharing. They identified content that could pose risks to children's rights and privacy before developing public service announcement scenarios and producing awareness-raising videos based on their findings. This practical experience strengthened participants' critical thinking skills while encouraging the responsible and creative use of digital tools.

Throughout the mobility, evaluation sessions enabled participants to reflect on their learning by creating digital mind maps, while intercultural activities allowed them to share their languages, traditions, music, and local cuisine. These exchanges strengthened cooperation among the partner organizations and created opportunities to learn from different cultural perspectives on digital parenting and child protection.

In the final stage of the project, participants completed the Youthpass evaluation process, reflected on their personal and professional learning outcomes, and generated their Youthpass certificates. They also visited some of Budapest's most popular cultural and historical landmarks—including Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, Szimpla Kert, and Karavan—to observe the influence of social media on tourism and public engagement. The project concluded with a certificate ceremony and farewell event, leaving participants better prepared to promote children's rights, digital privacy, and responsible social media practices through their work with young people and local communities.