When is it okay - if ever - to post a picture of your child on the internet? 

Most parents have a social media account of some kind and many regularly update their followers with what their child is doing in their life. 

Fine Gael Senator Regina Doherty used to often share family snaps on social media but in recent years has re-evaluated the wisdom of that approach. 

“Say we went to a Pride event or we went to a St Patrick’s Day parade, [they’d] be in the photographs,” she told Josh Crosbie for The Pat Kenny Show.  

“They look back now and they’re kind of cringey, [they say,] ‘God, Mam, you didn’t do that to me.’

“It’s to try and find a balance to let people know you are a normal person and you do normal stuff too - as well as your day job.” 

Senator Doherty has four children, who are now all young adults. 

First elected a TD in 2011, she feels political life in Ireland has become a lot more toxic over the past decade. 

“I’m not sure I would do it today if they were young given the environment today’s politicians have to live in,” she said. 

“Honestly, years ago, when my children were smaller, I didn’t feel the toxicity that exists today.

“You really do think twice or three times, before you post - particularly when it’s your own family.” 

Senator Regina Doherty speaking on the Plinth outside Leinster House in November 2011. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie

For any parents whose fingers are hovering over the ‘share’ button, Senator Doherty has this advice. 

“If in doubt, don’t do it,” she said. 

“It’s just not worth exposing your children.” 

'I didn’t post straight away'

Out on the streets of Dublin, Newstalk found a mixture of views on the topic. 

One woman, Clara, originally from Scotland, said she thought social media is an important way to stay in touch with people. 

“Because I live away from my family and friends, there’s something nice about showing people that we have a baby and just how she’s growing up a bit,” she said. 

“We’d still be conscious of who is seeing that.” 

A family taking selfies.

One father of a seven-year-old said he has never used social media and there is “no chance” of him ever becoming an influencer. 

“The child really doesn’t have much of a say,” he said. 

“The parents are going to do what they want to do but I just don’t agree on posting everything on social media. 

“If people want to put a picture of their child up so their family and friends can see, it’s all well and good but you wouldn’t know what type of people are out there at the moment.” 

Another woman said she posts pictures of her child - but is very careful about who can see them. 

“I know who I’m friends with on social media and my page is [private],” she said. 

“I do post pictures of them to a certain extent - gatherings and stuff like that. 

“When the baby was only born, I didn’t post straight away and I wouldn’t let just anyone post [pictures of them].” 

The ISPCC advises parents never to post a picture that will give away your location, a child in a state of undress or mention a child’s name in public forums.

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Main image: Family with two children taking a selfie. Picture by: Alamy.com