“Better Safe than Sorry”: Exploring the Experiences of Malaysian Parents on Sharenting

This research explores the experiences of Malaysian parents concerning their children’s privacy and their sharenting habits in the digital age. Sharenting, the practice of sharing information about one’s children on social media, has become prevalent, raising concerns about privacy and potential risks. Through qualitative exploration, this study investigates how Malaysian parents strike a balance between sharing meaningful moments online and ensuring the safety and privacy of their children. Two focus group discussions were conducted via Zoom with 15 Malaysian parents. The central theme that emerges from this study revolves around the delicate balance between parental expression and safeguarding children’s privacy. It highlights the significance of thoughtful and responsible online actions when engaging in sharenting practices. Besides, their main concerns for children’s safety and privacy are paedophiles, the evil eye, and the dark web. In this study, we argue that while sharenting can strengthen family bonds and promote community engagement, addressing the potential risks to children’s privacy and autonomy is imperative. This can be achieved by adopting a balanced approach that integrates ethical considerations and legal protections to safeguard their rights in the digital age. The findings suggest a need for developing an appropriate sharenting framework to establish a more robust mechanism for protecting the safety of young children.