Georgia State University’s Family Law and Policy Program Hosts Expert Talk on Health Sharenting and Child Privacy Rights
The Family Law and Policy Program at Georgia State University is set to welcome Professor Allison M. Whelan for an important discussion focused on “Health Sharenting and a Child’s Right to Privacy.” This event, which promises to enrich conversations around the complexities of parental sharing of children’s health information in the digital age, is free and open to the public. Attendees do not need to register in advance, making it easily accessible for those interested in the subject.
Health sharenting—a term that arose from the intersection of health and social media—refers to the practice of parents sharing information about their children’s health, well-being, and medical experiences online. In an era where social media is ubiquitous, the implications of such practices are significant. The growing trend raises crucial questions about privacy, consent, and the long-term impacts on children’s lives as they grow into adults. Professor Whelan’s talk aims to illuminate these challenges, providing insights into how health sharenting intersects with the rights of children, especially in terms of privacy and autonomy.
Allison M. Whelan serves as an assistant professor of law at Georgia State University College of Law, where she specializes in various aspects of medical, science, and social policy issues. Her scholarship spans a range of interconnected fields including health and FDA law, constitutional law, and bioethics. Whelan is recognized for her contributions to the academic community, having been named a “Rising Star” by the Hastings Center in 2024. Additionally, she has received the prestigious Patricia T. Morgan Award for Outstanding Scholarship in May 2025 from Georgia State University College of Law, underscoring her commitment to academic excellence.
Whelan holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Minnesota Law School and a Master of Arts in Bioethics from the same institution. Her comprehensive educational background equips her to tackle pressing legal and ethical dilemmas at the intersection of law, medicine, and public policy.
As discussions surrounding digital privacy evolve, events like this are critical in fostering public awareness and informed dialogue. The implications of health sharenting extend beyond individual families; they touch on broader societal norms about privacy, consent, and the use of children’s personal information. The Family Law and Policy Program’s initiative to host such discussions contributes to a growing understanding of these vital issues in today’s technology-driven society, advocating for the rights of every child in navigating the complexities posed by digital sharing practices.
