WHY IT MATTERS
A child’s medical history is deeply personal information. Family vlogging can turn diagnoses, treatment, hospital visits or developmental concerns into permanent public knowledge before the child is old enough to decide whether they wanted anyone else to know.
1. KEEP DIAGNOSES PRIVATE
A child’s condition is their personal information.
2. DON’T FILM MEDICAL DISTRESS
Treatment and illness are particularly vulnerable moments.
3. PROTECT DOCUMENTS
Letters, appointment cards and medical notes can contain identifying information.
4. DON’T SHOW PRESCRIPTIONS
Medication can reveal private health conditions.
5. KEEP THERAPY PRIVATE
Counselling and mental-health support shouldn’t become entertainment.
6. ASK WHO OWNS THE STORY
Awareness raising doesn’t automatically justify publishing somebody else’s medical history.
7. USE PRIVATE FAMILY UPDATES
Relatives can be informed without broadcasting details publicly.
8. THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE
The child may not want classmates, employers or partners knowing their childhood medical history.
9. GIVE OLDER CHILDREN CONTROL
They should increasingly decide what health information is disclosed.
10. DEFAULT TO CONFIDENTIALITY
If the audience doesn’t need to know, don’t tell them.
BOTTOM LINE
A child’s medical story belongs first to the child, not the audience.