Is there any shame in "Baby shaming?"

There’s no doubt social media has given us a platform to share aspects and everyday moments of our lives. For the most part it’s a good thing; we’re connected, in touch and better able to follow the developments in our loved one’s lives.

But sometimes the images we post online trigger a question: Has this gone too far?

And that’s exactly the phrase on everyone’s lips keyboard when it comes to the new social media trend amongst parents, called: ‘baby-shaming.’

Baby shaming involves an individual taking a photo of their little human that includes them holding up or sitting with a sign describing their latest mishap.

Things like “I hide Daddy’s truck keys with my toys” or “I spit milk all over Mummy today and wouldn’t apologise.”  *Note: We have blurred or cut out the faces of the images shown but parents involved in the trend, tend not to do the same.

The babies or toddlers holding up the signs vary in age, but have one thing in common: They’re all blissfully unaware of what they’re proclaiming to the world of social media.

Of course it’s not uncommon for people to gleefully report on the achievements of their kids on social media but perhaps broadcasting children’s vomiting, pooing or other mischievous mishaps is taking it a step too far.

And big people might not want these sorts of images doing the internet rounds when they’re applying for a job, trying to get into university or renting a home for the first time.

We educate teens and young adults to be careful not to over-share on social media due to the digital footprint it can leave later. Is it time for parents to start taking some of their own advice?