Kenyan comedian and media personality Dr Ofweneke has warned parents against using their children to generate social media content for likes, views and money.
He cautioned that children could one day seek accountability over privacy violations, public embarrassment and the financial gains made from their online exposure. His remarks have reignited debate about sharenting, the practice of parents sharing their children’s lives online.
Children’s Privacy at Risk
Dr Ofweneke warned that parents who repeatedly expose their children online could face legal challenges from them in the future.
He suggested that children may eventually question why their private moments became public content without their meaningful consent.
Such concerns include embarrassing videos, sensitive personal information and content that could affect a child’s dignity or future reputation.
Who Benefits From Children’s Content?
The comedian also raised questions about money generated from videos featuring minors. Some family-content creators build large audiences and earn income through advertising, brand deals and sponsored posts.
However, children featured in that content may not directly benefit from the earnings. Dr Ofweneke’s warning highlights the importance of considering children’s interests before publishing videos involving them.
A Wider Debate on Sharenting
Sharing family moments online can help relatives stay connected. However, repeated or intrusive exposure can create lasting digital records that children may not want later in life.
Parents can reduce risks by avoiding sensitive details, seeking age-appropriate consent and thinking carefully before posting embarrassing or private moments.
Although Dr Ofweneke raised the possibility of future lawsuits, the outcome of any legal claim would depend on the facts and applicable law. His comments are a warning about accountability, not confirmation that every child featured in online content can automatically sue a parent.
The debate ultimately raises a key question: how can parents share family life online while protecting their children’s privacy, dignity and future choices?
