Parenting Online

Abstract

Parents use digital media, such as internet discussion forums, blogs, social media, and mobile phone apps, to access information, support, and advice. Digital media can be particularly important for new mothers, who may feel isolated. The ability to access experience‐based information and form supportive communities with other parents are particularly strong motivations to use digital media. “Sharenting” is the sharing of information about children by their parents on social media and blogs. Parents have to consider the ethics of sharing their children's information and images online. Pregnancy and parenting apps allow women to track the progress of their pregnancy and monitor the health of themselves and their child. However, they can also act as performative and monitoring devices, pressurizing women to manage data and perform personal management of their and their baby's health. There are also concerns about the risks posed by such apps for users' privacy and security of data.