An investigation on parents' awareness of sharenting action

Developing digital media and social media platforms have radically changed individuals' lifestyles and communication practices. In particular, parents sharing information and images about their children on social networks has led to a new phenomenon defined in the literature as "sharenting". Sharenting refers to sharing made with various motivations such as seeking social approval and impression management. These sharings can result in violations of children's privacy rights, the shaping of their digital identities by parents, and exposure to various risks in the long term. In this context, parents' awareness levels regarding the act of sharing emerge as an important research topic. The main purpose of this research is to examine parents' awareness levels regarding the act of sharing and to draw attention to the possible effects of this act in the context of children's rights. The study also evaluated parents' social media usage practices, sharing motivations, and attitudes toward sharing behavior. Quantitative research method was used in the study, and data were collected using a survey technique. The survey form included scale items and demographic questions aimed at measuring parents' opinions and awareness levels regarding sharing behavior. In the findings obtained, considering that parents need to be informed about sharenting, it was determined that they are sensitive about this issue with their low sharenthing average. Suggestions were made regarding the need for parents to show sufficient care in practice and to always consider the risks to children's digital rights.