#575 Is It Irresponsible to Post Your Kids Online?

In this episode, Niall is joined by social commentator Elaine Mullaly to unpack a striking new story that has sparked fear, debate, and soul-searching among parents across Ireland.

The conversation centres on the Data Protection Commission’s dramatic new advert, part of its “Pause Before You Post” campaign, which warns about the dangers of “sharenting” — the habit many parents have of regularly sharing photos, videos, and personal details of their children online.

The ad, which plays out like the start of a horror film, follows a mother and father walking through a shopping centre with their young daughter. As they move, strangers begin addressing the child by name, referencing her birthday, her friends, her football club, and even her training schedule — all information her parents posted publicly on social media.

The climax comes when a man casually says:

“Ah, back playing football Thursdays, Éabha. Hope your dad picks you up on time for once.”

He is then shown scrolling through and saving images of the girl that her father had posted online.

The ad has been described as “terrifying,” “eye-opening,” and “the best warning parents will ever see.” Many parents admitted they had never realised just how much personal detail they reveal about their children every day.

Elaine and Niall dive into the implications:

Are parents unintentionally exposing their children to real-world risks?

What rights do children have over their digital footprint?

Is sharenting harmless… or is this ad a wake-up call?

And Niall opens the lines, asking listeners to weigh in with their views:

📞 Is it irresponsible to post pictures of your kids online?

Are parents overreacting — or are we not reacting enough?

A lively and important discussion about privacy, safety, and the modern pressures of social media.