Be wary of posting cute baby snaps on internet, parents told

PARENTS of newborns are to be given official guidance warning them to be careful about posting pictures of their babies online.

They will also be warned not to use tablet computers as babysitters amid fears that too much screen time may harm a child’s mental development.

The UK Government says this ‘child safety from the cradle’ strategy will equip parents to handle challenges such as cyberbullying and online porn.

Officials want the advice handed out at classes run by the National Childbirth Trust as well as nurseries and on Facebook.

The plans – which are open to consultation – are contained in the Government’s Internet Safety Strategy.

It raises fears about parents putting photos of their children

‘The nanny state has to stop’

online – particularly if they make it possible to identify where they live. This could lead to people stealing the child’s identity, as well as bringing them to the attention of paedophiles.

A recent study found parents post nearly 200 photos of their under-fives online every year.

The new strategy document says: ‘This information will focus on the technology and parenting issues that are relevant to this young age group, including the impact of screen time on a child’s cognitive development and information that parents may want to think about before sharing photos of their child.’

John Carr, of the UK Children’s Charities’ Coalition on Internet Safety, said: ‘Internet safety is now one of parents’ greatest worries so the sooner we start helping them to get to grips with the issues, the better it will be.’

Margaret Morrissey, of Parents Out Loud, said: ‘There comes a point when the nanny state has to stop. The Government should sort out what’s important and leave the rest to parents.’