Family vlogging—a booming industry where parents document their children’s lives for millions of online viewers—has sparked legal and ethical concerns about child exploitation. These videos often generate substantial income, but the children at the center of the content are frequently left without legal protection for their rights, privacy, or earnings.
Several U.S. states are now stepping in with new laws aimed at addressing these issues, marking a critical turning point in how the digital economy intersects with child welfare.
A Landmark Shift: Illinois Leads the Charge
In August 2023, Illinois became the first state to enact legislation requiring parents to set aside a portion of earnings from monetized content featuring their children. Under the law, 50% of the revenue must be placed in a trust accessible only by the child when they turn 18. The measure also provides children the right to sue parents if funds are not properly allocated.
Minnesota followed in May 2024, introducing additional protections. Children under 14 cannot appear in more than 30% of a family’s monetized content. Revenue from these videos must also be reserved in a trust.
Most recently, California signed a similar bill into law in September 2024. Building on Illinois’s model, the California legislation is particularly significant given the state’s deep ties to the entertainment industry.
Real Stories, Real Impact
The movement for child influencer protections gained momentum through the testimony of individuals like Shari Franke, a 21-year-old who was once a central figure in her family’s popular YouTube channel, 8 Passengers. Speaking before Utah lawmakers in October 2024, Franke recounted the emotional and ethical toll of being an unwilling participant in family vlogging.
“If I could go back and do it all again, I’d rather have an empty bank account now and not have my childhood plastered all over the internet,” Franke testified.
Her story highlights the broader issues children face as unwitting influencers, from a loss of privacy to the inability to consent to their portrayal online.
The Digital Economy: A New Kind of Child Labor
Experts argue that family vlogging constitutes a form of child labor, but one that exists outside traditional protections. Unlike child actors, who are covered by laws such as the Coogan Act, children in family vlogs lack structured safeguards.
With social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok offering lucrative opportunities—some influencers report earning upwards of $8,000 per post—states are beginning to see the need for stricter regulation. These laws are not aimed at casual posts of family life but are designed to address professionalized monetization of children’s private moments.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite progress in Illinois, Minnesota, and California, the issue remains largely unregulated across the U.S. States such as Washington and Utah are considering similar measures, while Maryland explored adding “Right to Be Forgotten” provisions, allowing children to request the removal of online content once they reach adulthood.
Social media platforms themselves could also play a significant role. Although unlikely to self-regulate given the profitability of family content, public pressure and shifting societal norms might push platforms to implement safeguards.
The Need for Holistic Solutions
Advocates stress that the fight against exploitation in family vlogging requires a multifaceted approach. Children cannot grasp the long-term implications of their digital presence, nor can they consent to being featured in monetized content. Policymakers, social media platforms, and audiences all have a role to play in protecting the next generation.
By putting children’s rights at the forefront of this digital revolution, lawmakers and advocates are paving the way for a safer, more equitable future.
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