Child Exploitation Through Online Sharing: “Sharenting” and the Role of the Pediatric Provider

Authors

• Stacey Steinberg, University of Florida Levin College of LawFollow
• Cameron Rosenthal, University of Florida College of MedicineFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

The alarming trend of “sharenting” highlights the need for increased vigilance in protecting children from online exploitation. When parents share intimate details about children’s lives on social media, they may inadvertently expose them to danger. Pediatricians are equipped to safeguard children from parental abuse and neglect; however, they are less prepared to protect children from harm caused by parents online.

When parents exploit children on social media, pediatricians face challenges in protecting patients while also following laws that maintain parental autonomy. Using a child welfare framework, this article defines these online harms and proposes strategies for protecting children from exploitative parental online conduct.

Recommended Citation

Stacey Steinberg & Cameron Rosenthal, Child Exploitation Through Online Sharing: “Sharenting” and the Role of the Pediatric Provider, 2 Pediatrics Open Sci., no. 2, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1542/pedsos.2025-001107.