The ‘IMA-GO! Share with Care!’ guideline are an initiative by the Maruzza Foundation, addressing the ethical challenges of sharing images of children with serious or incurable illnesses on social media and other platforms.
Why Is This Important?
The practice of sharing images of children with chronic or serious illnesses has become widespread for purposes such as:
- Raising awareness of specific health conditions.
- Fundraising to support treatment and research.
- Professional use by healthcare providers for training or communication.
- ‘Sharenting’ by parents seeking support or understanding.
However, these actions can unintentionally compromise a child’s dignity, privacy, and rights, raising ethical, legal, and social concerns.
What Does the IMA-GO Guide Provide?
The document offers a practical and reflective framework to balance the benefits of sharing with potential risks. It is structured into three specific user groups, each with tailored guidelines:
- Parents and Carers
- Healthcare Professionals
- Healthcare Organizations and Institutions
For each group, the guide includes:
- Ten Guidelines: Best practices for ethical image-sharing.
- Issue Descriptions: Exploration of challenges and risks.
- Example Cases: Realistic scenarios to illustrate key points.
- Checklists: Essential questions to consider before sharing.
Core Philosophy
- Reflection Over Rules: The guide isn’t prescriptive but is designed to encourage thoughtful decision-making.
- Child-Centric Approach: It prioritizes the dignity, privacy, and rights of the children involved.
- Balance: It helps stakeholders navigate the tension between sharing for positive purposes and avoiding objectification or overexposure.
Access
The guide is currently available in Italian and can be accessed via the Maruzza Foundation's official site. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone involved in sharing stories and images of children with serious illnesses, emphasizing the importance of respect and mindful communication in the digital age.
Would you like to organize a presentation of IMA-GO? Contact us by email at segreteria@maruzza.org