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Florida Atlantic University Undergraduate Law Journal

Advisor

Anita Blowers

College

Arts and Letters

Keywords

Child influencers, Kidfluencers, Family vlogging, Child exploitation, Digital labor, Child labor, Internet monetization, Social media, Online exploitation, Child privacy, Digital privacy, Content monetization, Influencer culture, Parasocial relationships, Child welfare, Media ethics, Platform regulation, Federal regulation, Legal safeguards, Child protection, Online safety, Financial exploitation, Emotional exploitation, Psychological impact, Internet fame, Digital childhood, Sharenting, Children’s rights, Media law, Labor protections, Digital consent, Right to deletion, Internet governance, Audience exploitation, Sponsored content, Family influencers, Child advocacy, Exploitative parenting, Social media law, Creator economy

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The rise of family vlogging and the ability to earn revenue from the internet through monetization programs have ushered in a new era of child stars. So-called “kidfluencers” are frequently under the scrutiny of their parents, sponsors, and those watching behind a screen. These child influencers currently lack federal protections that ensure their well-being and safety. Family vlogging has been proven to place a financial, mental, and sometimes, physical burden on children involved. Federal regulations have been encouraged by experts and survivors of child internet exploitation but have not been passed. This paper will examine the impact of family vlogging on children and propose legal safeguards to prevent exploitation. Federal laws must be passed to not only ensure children are compensated financially for their content, but to protect children from abuse, exploitation, and defend their right to request deletion of content. Without strict regulations, there is a significant risk of thousands of children being abused or exploited by their parents or their audience.

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