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

The Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project “Sharenting or Parenting?” was implemented in Budapest, Hungary, from 9 to 15 December 2024, under the coordination of Kicsi Szívek Egyesülete (Reference No: 2024-1-HU01-KA153-YOU-000198459). Asociatia ZIFT Educatie si Sport proudly joined the initiative as a partner organization, together with youth workers from Hungary, Portugal, Italy, Türkiye, and Romania. The project explored the impact of parents’ social media sharing about their children on children’s rights, privacy, and digital safety.

Through a series of educational seminars, participants gained an in-depth understanding of the concept of children’s digital footprints. Discussions focused on how social media posts can leave lasting effects on children’s future lives, increase the risks of online abuse, and influence their psychological development through the creation of digital identities. In addition, sessions on online child abuse examined how seemingly harmless posts can, in certain circumstances, result in violations of children’s rights.

To transform theoretical knowledge into practical experience, participants took part in the “Over-Sharenting Hunt” activity, working collaboratively in groups to analyze examples of excessive sharing on social media. They identified content that posed potential risks to children’s rights and, based on their findings, developed public service announcement scenarios and produced awareness-raising videos. This hands-on process strengthened participants’ critical thinking skills while introducing new approaches to the responsible use of digital tools.

Throughout the project, evaluation activities enabled participants to reflect on their learning by creating digital mind maps that visualized the knowledge and skills they had acquired. At the same time, intercultural sharing activities allowed participants to introduce their languages, traditions, music, and local cuisine, fostering stronger dialogue and cooperation among the partner countries while encouraging the exchange of diverse perspectives on digital parenting.

In the final stage of the project, participants completed the Youthpass evaluation process, reflecting on their personal and professional learning achievements before generating their Youthpass certificates. They also explored Budapest’s most popular cultural and historical landmarks—including Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Szimpla Kert, and Karavan—to observe firsthand the influence of social media on tourism and public perception. The project concluded with a certificate ceremony and farewell event, leaving participants better equipped to promote children’s rights, digital privacy, and responsible social media practices within their communities.