What happens when kids become social media content?

[WORLD] The rise of social media has ushered in a new phenomenon where children are increasingly featured in online content, often by their own parents or guardians. This trend, commonly referred to as 'kidfluencing,' has sparked a multifaceted debate concerning children's rights, privacy, and well-being in the digital age.​

In recent years, platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have seen a surge in family-centric content, with children taking center stage. Some of these young personalities, dubbed 'kidfluencers,' have amassed substantial followings, leading to lucrative sponsorships and advertising deals. However, this burgeoning industry operates in a largely unregulated space, raising concerns about exploitation and the absence of legal protections for minors involved.​

Legal Protections Lag Behind

Unlike traditional child actors who are safeguarded by stringent labor laws, child influencers often lack similar protections. In response to this gap, Illinois enacted amendments to its Child Labor Law on July 1, 2024, mandating that parents compensate children under 16 who appear in at least 30% of their social media content over a 30-day period. These earnings must be placed into a trust accessible when the child turns 18. Parents failing to comply can face legal action from their children. This pioneering legislation aims to ensure that minors benefit financially from their contributions to family-run social media channels. ​

Calls for Broader Legislation

The Illinois law has ignited discussions about the need for broader legislative measures. Dr. Francis Rees, a university lecturer, has advocated for regulations to protect child influencers from potential exploitation. Her research highlights that pre-teen performers on platforms like TikTok and YouTube are exposed to various harms, including disruptions to their education and lack of employment benefits such as fair remuneration and regulated working hours. ​

Privacy and Psychological Concerns

Beyond financial considerations, the exposure of children on social media raises significant privacy and psychological issues. Protect and Save the Children (PS The Children), a Malaysian NGO, emphasizes that using children in social media content without their consent infringes upon their privacy rights and can lead to long-term psychological effects. The organization underscores that children have a fundamental right to privacy as outlined in Article 16 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Non-consensual sharing of photos and videos can impact their self-perception and teach them that they lack control over their own images and narratives. ​

Risks of Online Predation

The digital visibility of child influencers also makes them susceptible to online predators. A study by Premier Law Group revealed that 82% of cyberstalkers use social media platforms to gather personal information about potential victims. The report highlighted that 40% of children in grades 4-8 have chatted with strangers online, with many sharing personal information. Child influencers, due to their public profiles, are particularly vulnerable to such risks. ​

Regulatory Measures in Malaysia

In Malaysia, concerns about the exploitation of minors on social media have prompted calls for stricter regulations. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has advised educators against using students, especially primary school children, as content on their personal social media platforms. He warned that such content could be misused by irresponsible individuals, potentially leading to child sexual crimes.

Balancing Opportunities and Risks

While social media offers children opportunities for creative expression and skill development, it is imperative to balance these benefits with potential risks. Parents and guardians are encouraged to implement protective measures, such as:​

Obtaining Consent: Ensuring that children understand and agree to the sharing of their images or videos.​

Educating on Online Safety: Teaching children about the potential dangers of online interactions and the importance of privacy.​

Utilizing Platform Safeguards: Making use of parental controls and privacy settings offered by social media platforms to limit exposure to harmful content and interactions.​

The integration of children into social media content necessitates a careful examination of ethical, legal, and psychological considerations. As the digital landscape evolves, it is crucial for policymakers, parents, and platform operators to collaborate in establishing frameworks that protect the rights and well-being of child influencers, ensuring that their online experiences are both positive and safe.​