Police Post Of Girl Stirs Digital Safety Debate

HYDERABAD: Days after the Telangana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights directed media outlets to blur minors’ faces and avoid asking them uncomfortable questions on camera, a Hyderabad police officer circulated a photograph of a visibly distressed schoolgirl in an internal media group, raising concerns over the ease with which a child’s dignity can be compromised in the digital age.

Police alleged the girl had attempted to run away from school and was counselled before being reunited with her mother. While the image may have been intended for documentation or publicity, the child’s discomfort was evident. The post also carried personal remarks about her behaviour.

The commission had earlier flagged several media outlets for broadcasting minors’ faces and asking intrusive questions, in violation of child rights norms. Yet, the practice of exposing children to cameras without consent — sometimes without their knowledge — persists not only in media and official circles but also among parents.

Poonam Hooda, a mother from Begumpet, recounted her own experience of introducing her 10-year-old daughter to making reels after watching ‘kidfluencer’ content online. “I was inspired to make my daughter one, but soon things changed — in her and me. My husband flagged it and I stopped, but it took a year to bring her out of that phase. She carried anger, guilt and shame even at such a young age,” Hooda said.

Experts warn that sharing images of vulnerable children, whether by parents or authorities, can cause lasting harm. “The child may experience shame, humiliation and social anxiety from being portrayed as ‘in trouble’ or ‘problematic.’ Such exposure can create lasting stigma and erode trust in authority figures,” said Dr Vishal Akula, professor of psychiatry at Government Medical College, Jagtial.

This form of oversharing — known as ‘sharenting’ — goes beyond posting cute moments. It can include broadcasting children’s raw and vulnerable experiences. While a child may forget these moments, the internet does not.

In one widely criticised instance, US-based YouTube creators The LaBrant Family posted a video of their young daughter waking from anaesthesia after dental surgery, sparking backlash and accusations of exploiting her vulnerability for content rather than prioritising her care.

Dr Akula cautioned that such posts can have long-term repercussions.

“Sharing embarrassing or emotionally raw moments can create a digital footprint the child cannot control, leading to future embarrassment, identity issues, and boundary conflicts with parents. Children may feel their emotions were commodified for social approval, triggering trust issues or attention-seeking behaviour later in life,” he said.