UPDATE: A powerful new advert from Ireland’s Data Protection Commission is sending shockwaves through social media, urging parents to reconsider sharing their children’s lives online. Released on November 26, 2025, the 40-second video titled “Pause Before You Post” dramatically highlights the dangers of oversharing personal information.
The ad features a young girl named Éabha in a shopping center, where she encounters strangers who know unnervingly intimate details about her life—her age, hobbies, and even her daily routines. This chilling portrayal has gone viral, resonating with viewers across multiple platforms and sparking urgent discussions about child safety in a digital age.
As parents grapple with the implications of the Online Safety Act in the UK and similar initiatives in Australia and Ireland, this advert serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by casual oversharing. Many social media users are sharing their reactions, emphasizing the discomfort the ad evokes and the critical need for heightened awareness around e-safety.
One user tweeted, “This is a brilliant ad that perfectly demonstrates why I do not post about my children online. If this ad makes you feel uncomfortable, good, because this is what it looks like.” The emotional response underscores a growing consensus that parental discretion is vital in protecting children’s privacy.
The ad’s impact has been immediate, with numerous viewers expressing their shock and reconsideration of their own posting habits. Comments flood in, with one person stating, “We need to do better as parents,” while another remarked on the risk of exposing children to potential dangers from strangers online.
Many parents are now reevaluating their social media practices, with discussions around the need to lock accounts to prevent unwanted access to family photos and details. One commenter shared, “If you want to keep a memoir for them, lock the account so strangers don’t have access.”
Experts stress that while sharing moments online is common, it is crucial to be mindful of the information shared. The concern is clear: even seemingly innocuous posts can lead to predatory behavior, as the ad illustrates through its unsettling narrative.
As the conversation around e-safety continues, the Data Protection Commission’s advert highlights a crucial point: the digital world is a double-edged sword. Parents are encouraged to reflect on their online sharing habits and consider the potential consequences for their children.
What happens next? The viral nature of this advert may lead to more campaigns focusing on online safety, urging parents to act now before it’s too late. As the discussion unfolds, the stakes for children’s safety in the digital landscape have never been higher.
