Some paparazzi can go to any extent to capture “exclusive” photos of celebrities and their kids. But many celebrities have now defended their kid’s privacy by requesting the pesky paps to “blur” their kid’s face or place a “heart emoji” instead when using the photo. Fearing invasion of privacy suits and legal tangles, many media houses are now “blurring” celeb kids’ faces. From Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi to Virat and Anushka, there have been celeb parents who today have limited the media’s access to themselves and their bundle of joy. Keeping nosy shutterbugs at arm’s length.
Social Media Detox
Everybody likes spotting celeb kids, be it from Bollywood, Tollywood or even Hollywood. Getting a glimpse of celebrities and their little ones at the airport, restaurants, and public places is often a thrilling encounter for many. While many famous folks have their lives posted on social media handles, few celebrities take a step back to keep personal moments private. Wanting a social media ‘detox’ period for their little ones. To give their kids a better chance at normal lives, quite often these celebs choose to have their privacy kept intact until they are old enough to make decisions for themselves.
Kanan Tandi, psychotherapist, Body Speaks Better from Goa says, “By keeping their children’s faces hidden, celebrities allow their kids to experience some normalcy, protecting them from a lifestyle that they may not fully understand or consent to.”
This implies that many times intense waves of public interest in a celebrity’s life could spill over to their kids, potentially leading to harassment from the paparazzi along with online criticisms.
An Open Plea
Fashion model cum TV personality Gigi Hadid wrote an open letter to the paparazzi, press and fans on her X (formerly Twitter), requesting everybody to respect and help protect her child’s privacy. Gigi wrote: “To the paparazzi, press and beloved fan accounts: you know we have never intentionally shared our daughter’s face on social media. Our wish is that she can choose how to share herself with the world when she comes of age and that she can have as normal of a childhood as possible, without worrying about a public image that she has not chosen.”
To what extent could such unwarranted sharing of pictures and other details violate a child’s privacy? Her humble request became a clarion call for others to protect their kids not only from the onslaught of pushy photographers but also from trolls and other prying eyes lurking on social media.
Emojis, A Saviour
While many prefer blurring a part of their kid’s face on social media handles, some celebs even take the ‘emoji way out.’ “It’s a middle ground, allowing celebrities to have their kids included in their online presence while still keeping identifying features private,” says Kanan Tandi. However, Kanan does admit that such an approach could also indicate a constant struggle between one’s personal and public life.
Kanan adds, “Posting with an emoji also helps counter speculation as both sides are happy, with fans too, getting a glimpse into their fav celeb’s life without invading their privacy.”
Celebrity kids from previous generations grew up with little public access. Kanan says, “This generational shift towards und standing long-term effects of fame, including the burden of psychological pressure has certainly made newbie celeb parents adopt stricter privacy practices.”
The Flip Side
Some celeb parents love to flaunt their little ones and the happy moments captured with them. Kanan explains that celebrity parents who openly display their kids to the media usually tend to exhibit body language that is more relaxed. She says, “Their postures too, might be more open, facing the cameras and a more relaxed grip around their kids, suggesting some form of ease while in the spotlight.”
On the flip side, there are famous folks who may prefer a tighter form of privacy often indicating body language that is protective. Kanan says, “These parents may appear to stand slightly in front of their child, averting their child’s face or even cradling them closer to their body.”
Kanan opines that their expressions too, would convey a sense of discomfort. These gestures imply that they are focused on shielding their kids from too much public attention.
Newer Spaces
Perhaps, a child’s privacy is better thought of by parents – be it celeb parents or otherwise. Moreover, with the advent and boost of social media spaces, newbie celeb parents could be in a unique space trying to find the right balance between public and personal life. “Psychologically the decision to share or shield children can be deeply personal, often influenced and shaped by past experiences with fame along with personal values or simply comfort” says Kanan. While this is a decision best left to celeb parents, perhaps it’s time for fans and followers to admire their favourite celebs white yet respect space!”