WHY IT MATTERS
The camera can fundamentally change a parent’s response to an event. A moment that ordinarily demands immediate comfort, privacy or intervention may instead be viewed as compelling footage.
1. PARENT FIRST
When a child needs help, stop recording.
2. DON’T FILM DISTRESS
Crying, fear and emotional crises require care, not an audience.
3. CREATE OFF-CAMERA RELATIONSHIPS
Children need attention that isn’t connected to content.
4. ESTABLISH NO-FILM SPACES
Children should know some areas are always private.
5. RESPECT REFUSAL
A child’s objection should matter more than the video.
6. QUESTION THE CAMERA
Would you behave differently if nobody were watching?
7. DON’T PROLONG EMOTIONS
Never extend a child’s distress because it makes compelling footage.
8. MODEL BOUNDARIES
Teach children that some moments belong exclusively to family.
9. REPAIR BROKEN TRUST
Take concerns seriously if children object to previous uploads.
10. KEEP THE PRIORITIES CLEAR
Parenting is the responsibility. Content creation is optional.
BOTTOM LINE
When something happens to a child, the first instinct should be “What do they need?”, not “Where’s the camera?”