- Free webinar on 25 June 2026 highlights the risks of sharing photos and videos of children
- Six tips for handling photos of children responsibly online
As the summer holidays begin, social media platforms are once again filling up with holiday photos. Among them are numerous pictures of children on the beach, at outdoor swimming pools or by the pool – often in swimwear and usually shared by parents, relatives or other trusted adults. However, what is intended as a pleasant holiday memory can carry real risks. Once published, images and videos can be saved, shared further or taken out of their original context. What’s more, with the help of artificial intelligence, it’s now easier than ever to manipulate images and use them for abusive purposes.
For 30 years, the eco Complaints Office has been working to protect children and young people in the digital space. Against the backdrop of current challenges related to sharenting, AI-generated content and the protection of children’s rights online, it’s hosting a free webinar in collaboration with the partners of the German Safer Internet Centre on Thursday, 25 June 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, entitled “#ChildrenAreNotContent – Be Careful When Sharing Images Online”. The event is aimed at parents, educational professionals and anyone interested in the topic.
“For 30 years, we have been observing how digital risks for children and young people are changing. Today, we see that publicly shared images can not only be disseminated uncontrollably, but can also be manipulated using AI. This makes a conscious approach to children’s photos online all the more important,” says Alexandra Koch-Skiba from the eco Complaints Office.
“Many parents underestimate how quickly private photos of children can spiral out of control. What is intended as a loving memento can be copied, saved, shared further or altered using AI. Children have a right to privacy – including in the digital space. That is why adults should make very conscious decisions about which images they publish or share, and with whom,” Koch-Skiba continues.
Children are not content: Six tips for handling children’s photos responsibly online
Consider whether the child’s face really needs to be visible. Memories can often be shared without making children clearly identifiable.
- Think before you post
Ask yourself whether the photo or video truly needs to be published. Not every memory belongs on the Internet. - Involve your children
Speak to your child – in an age-appropriate way – about whether they agree to the photo or video being published. Children also have personality rights. - Avoid sensitive information
Do not publish any information that could reveal where a child lives, attends school, takes part in leisure activities or spends time regularly. - Regularly check privacy settings
Review the security and privacy settings of your social media profiles and messaging services. Bear in mind that even content in closed groups can be saved and forwarded. - Do not show vulnerable situations
Do not publish images or videos that might later embarrass children or show them in sensitive situations, such as whilst bathing, getting changed or during emotionally distressing moments. - Reduce recognisability
Consider whether the child’s face really needs to be visible. Memories can often be shared without making children clearly identifiable.
Webinar: #ChildrenAreNotContent – Be Careful When Sharing Images Online
Date: Thursday, 25 June 2026, 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Registration in German: https://international.eco.de/event/kindersindkeincontent-augen-auf-beim-teilen-von-bildern-im-internet/
About the eco Complaints Office
The eco Complaints Office has been active since 1996 and is an integral part of Germany’s system of regulated self-regulation. It enables Internet users to report content that is harmful to young people or constitutes criminal content, free of charge and anonymously, and works closely with Internet service providers, public authorities and international partners.
To mark its 30th anniversary, we are pleased to offer interested media representatives background briefings and in-depth insights into the work of the eco Complaints Office in Cologne.
