In an era reminiscent of past debates over the protection of child actors, the digital age is shedding light on the necessity for comparable safeguards.
Who are they? Child influencers encompass youngsters often featured in revenue-generating online content, spanning videos on family-oriented YouTube channels, TikToks, and sponsored posts on platforms like Instagram. At times, these children are the focal points of their individual accounts.
These discussions have sparked analogous legislation in France, aimed at safeguarding child influencers and ensuring equitable compensation.
Why is it significant? Illinois legislators have responded by passing groundbreaking legislation—pioneering in the United States—to ensure that minors showcased in online content receive a fair share of the proceeds.
Originating as a school project by teenager Shreya Nallamothu, the initiative evolved into an exploration of the insufficient protection afforded to American child influencers. Nallamothu’s research, encouraged by her teacher, played a pivotal role in galvanizing the legislation.
The amendment to the state’s existing child labor laws dictates that child influencers are entitled to a portion of the earnings generated by their featured content, deposited into a trust until they reach adulthood.
Influencer status has emerged as a prominent career aspiration among children, offering significant financial prospects. Leading YouTubers and TikTokers can amass millions annually from brand endorsements, sponsored content, and advertisements.
What are reactions? Fortesa Latifi, a Teen Vogue writer covering child influencers and engaging with those impacted, shared insights with NPR.
On the law’s enforceability: The responsibility largely rests on parents. The law empowers children to legally challenge their parents if earnings are not appropriately saved for them.
On insights from former child influencers: The evolving family dynamic is intriguing. One source, raised within a family vlogging YouTube channel with billions of views, recounted a conversation with her father, who said, “I am your dad, but I am also your boss.” This dynamic shift between parent and child is striking.
Regarding the law’s impact on former child influencers: They appreciate the legislation as a signal of reevaluating the role of children online and privacy norms. However, for many, these laws come too late. One source lamented that the years of effort cannot be reclaimed. Childhood is irretrievable.
What’s next? This pioneering law mirrors Jackie Coogan’s 1936 legislation in California, enacted after the child actor discovered his earnings had been squandered by his parents. Other states are beginning to follow suit, with a Pennsylvania lawmaker expressing intent to introduce similar legislation.