Utilizing Information Services to Educate Millennial Parents on Sharenting Trends in Indonesia: A Wise Parenting Alternative

Abstract

Sharenting, the practice of parents sharing their children’s photos, milestones, and personal information on social media, has become increasingly common among millennial parents worldwide, including in Indonesia. While sharenting offers several benefits, such as fostering family connections, maintaining long-distance relationships, and documenting children’s milestones, it also raises significant concerns regarding children’s privacy, data security, and emotional well-being. The rapid growth of social media usage has introduced new challenges, yet many Indonesian parents, especially from the millennial generation, remain unaware of the risks associated with sharenting. This study aims to explore the potential of utilizing information services to educate millennial parents in Indonesia about sharenting trends, to promote responsible digital parenting practices. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a survey of 200 millennial parents and semi-structured interviews with 5 parents. The survey revealed that 80% of parents engage in sharenting, primarily through Instagram and Facebook. However, a significant gap in awareness was found, with only 30% of respondents reporting a clear understanding of privacy settings and the risks involved in sharenting. The semi-structured interviews revealed parents' desire for more guidance on how to manage their children's online presence and the ethical considerations of sharenting. The study concludes that information services, particularly those focused on digital literacy and privacy management, play a crucial role in empowering parents to make informed decisions about sharenting. These services can help mitigate the risks associated with sharenting by providing practical tools and knowledge to manage privacy settings effectively. Furthermore, the research highlights the importance of developing targeted digital literacy programs tailored to the unique needs and challenges faced by Indonesian parents. By promoting awareness and responsible online behavior, these services can contribute to wiser and more ethical parenting in Indonesia’s rapidly evolving digital landscape