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Author
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Berg et al.
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Year
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2024
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Publisher
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JMIR PEDIATRICS AND PARENTING
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Abstract
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Background: There is limited understanding of the concept of the digital identity of young children created through engagement
on social networking sites.
Objective: The objective of this scoping review was to identify key characteristics of the concept of digital identity for children
from conception to the age of 8 years on social networking sites.
Methods: This scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and
Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. The key databases searched were EBSCO, Web of Science, ProQuest
ERIC, and Scopus. Gray literature sources (National Grey Literature Collection, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and Google
Scholar) were also searched to identify unpublished studies. Articles were selected if they were published in English and reported
data on the digital identity of children in relation to social networking sites.
Results: The key terms used in the literature were sharenting, followed by digital footprints and children’s identities. Our study
revealed 2 approaches to the creation of digital identity: social digital identity and performative digital identity. The articles in
this review most commonly used the term sharenting to describe the behavior parents engage in to create digital identities for
children on social networking sites. Motivations to post information about children differed among parents; however, the most
common reasons were to share with friends and family and create digital archives of childhood photos, termed social digital
identity. The second motivation was categorized as performative digital identity. The risk of digital kidnapping and identity theft
associated with the creation of digital identities also influenced parents’ behaviors.