Parenting in the digital age: addressing the sharenting phenomenon in Central and Eastern Europe

ENSharenting, though widely practiced, is both commonplace and deeply controversial due to its potential for harm in the online landscape. This paper explores the concept of sharenting and its diverse international trends, with a particular focus on the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region, including the Visegrad 4 and Baltic States. First, by synthesising over thirty academic definitions, the paper aims to offer a conceptual foundation for understanding sharenting, enabling a clearer interpretation of legislative and regulatory trends. Second, with a special emphasis on the CEE region, this chapter delves into regulatory philosophies, legislative frameworks, and platform-based self-regulation initiatives. It is to be noted that except for France, European countries have not developed any sharenting-related legislation. This results in jurisdictional conflicts, enforcement hurdles, and potential legal loopholes exploited by parents seeking less restrictive regulatory environments. The third section of the paper provides a comparative examination of current policies, proposals, and challenges specific to the Visegrad 4 and Baltic regions, identifying potential pathways for more cohesive frameworks. Our findings underline the need for nuanced, adaptable regulatory approaches that account for cultural, legal, and ethical variations, particularly within the cross-border digital context. Ultimately, this paper advocates for collaborative efforts to establish unified frameworks, fostering legal coherence across the region.