Perceptions of the Presence (or Exclusion) of Children’s Images in Public Spaces – Based on Research Among Polish Parents
Abstract
The aim of the article is to analyse the surveyed parents’ perceptions of children’s presence in public space, understood both as their symbolic/media representation (including sharenting practices) and their physical presence in social environments. Aquantitative research approach was applied, using a diagnostic survey method and a standardized CAWI questionnaire administered via the Google Forms platform. The study was conducted among parents living in Poland who have at least one child under the age of 18. A non-probability sampling approach was used, and the sample structure was subsequently compared with population estimates based on data from the Central Statistical Office (Główny Urząd Statystyczny, 2024). The survey was carried out between September 15 and October 15, 2025, on a sample of 459 respondents. The findings indicate an ambivalent perception of children’s presence in public space. On the one hand, respondents recognise the increasing visibility of children in media and public discourse; on the other hand, they point to children’s limited agency and their symbolic marginalisation. At the same time, support was observed for the creation of dedicated spaces for children, alongside the acceptance of certain restrictions on their presence in selected social environments. The results also reveal a critical attitude towards sharenting and a growing awareness of the risks associated with the use of children’s images in digital space. The study confirms the importance of considering both the symbolic and physical dimensions of children’s presence in public space. The findings indicate a need to increase social awareness and to promote more inclusive approaches to both media representation and spatial planning that take into account children’s needs.
Keywords:
children,, public space, sharenting, media representation, social perceptionReferences
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