There is a recent rise in children becoming influencers and this has really caused controversy and arguments in this time and age.
It's really amazing and surprising to realize that many of these kids have thousands of followers on the media. Personally, it's usually amazing and beautiful to see kids have a paying career from infants, they get so much confidence in front of camera's and showcase their talent brilliantly at ease. Inasmuch as the child didn't choose this part, the child still benefits from being influencers and I still uphold that the child's interests should be well considered.
The media is growing daily and becoming a source of livelihood to many out there, and most people believe using kids for content is the same as child labour, and I see their point, especially when the child is being attacked by bullies or shamed by others due to a physical challenge or other reason, but the parents use that as an opportunity to gain popularity.
For the sanity of that child in the future, I believe a level of respect should be given to such children. Cyberbullying doesn't end, it's a trauma that stays with a child and could affect their social life.
No doubt a chance to influence as a child is really beneficial, not just financially, but also helps build communication skills, makes them confident and outspoken, creates a healthy knowledge about business to them and exposes them to a career path and not just kids who attend school without proper direction.
This is an opportunity in our world and I don't see anything wrong with a child being an influencer. The only reason I would be against a child being a content creator or influencer is if they are being bullied, stigmatized socially and being mocked.
It really gets complicated when we study the consequences, inasmuch as it has its benefits, when the child being an influencer becomes a job, and it's being prioritized over their childhood experiences and privileges, I will also stand against that, they should have a will and decide when to be on camera or not.
Children deserve the right and opportunity to grow and develop an identity without constant public judgement or even opinions. Truth be told, that's what we get from the media lately. You see full grown adults bullying and shaming a child and that can leave long term trauma in a child and some constantly scrutinized by the public at every milestone.
The social media is a public space and these viewers feel they have the right to share their opinions, because they have data and it's their phone.
At some point, parents need to prioritize their kid's and their future. Every child deserves safety and protection from their parents.
Not yet a mom, but I believe every parent has that responsibility to protect their kids, do what's best for them and prioritize their long term peace.
Instead of going after fame and money, they should also place the child's happiness and feelings first.
Protect and safeguard children from abuse, cyberbully and respect the children's wish and will.
In conclusion, being a child's influencer/content creator shouldn't be the primary focus, the focus, should be ensuring that kids should remain safe and protected against cyberbully and other forms of digital abuse on the media. Also, kids deserve to be free to enjoy a normal childhood experience. The goal shouldn't only end at financial benefits or fame. I believe a child's best interest should be prioritized.
