CEPEC Research Inspires Children’s Book: "Wie ziet Pixie?" Puts Sharenting on the Agenda

Dr. Elisabeth Van den Abeele recently published the children’s book Wie ziet Pixie? (Who Sees Pixie?), a picture book that addresses the topical issue of sharenting—parents sharing photos or videos of their children on social media—in an accessible way. The book translates insights from her research at Ghent University into a relatable story for young children and their parents.

In Wie ziet Pixie?, readers follow a young fox whose parents proudly share photos of him online. But how does it feel to be visible to others without choosing it yourself? The story invites parents and children to reflect on this together and encourages conversations about online privacy, boundaries, and having a voice.

According to Van den Abeele, children often already have a sense of privacy at a very young age. “Children understand these issues surprisingly quickly. It is important that we no longer see them as passive beings, but allow them to think along and have a say.”

With playful illustrations by Nicolas Michenaud and practical tips for (grand)parents at the end of the book, academic research finds a tangible place in the everyday lives of our youngest generation.