Abstract
Today, some of the biggest child stars are not getting their start on the silver screen. Instead, they are finding success through their (or their parent’s) smartphones. The explosion of social media over the past few years has created a new type of child star: the kid influencer or “the kidfluencer.” These children appear alone or alongside their families to discuss child’s clothing, toys, and other family-related topics. If they gain enough followers, they may be able to monetize their social media accounts and obtain sponsorships from big brands such as Walmart and Mattel. Even though the method of achieving celebrity status has changed, certain problems with child stardom remain the same. Some parents are willing to sacrifice their children’s privacy, freedom, and mental health in their quest for fame and fortune. To make matters worse, these children are not always entitled to the money they make. This Note explores the protections (or lack thereof) afforded to children in monetized social media content. It will review what measures are being taken to protect children online in the United States and overseas. The Note ends by offering potential solutions aimed at safeguarding kidfluencers and the money they make.
Recommended Citation
Edney, Amber
(2022)
""I Don't Work for Free": The Unpaid Labor of Child Social Media Stars,"
University of Florida Journal of Law & Public Policy: Vol. 32:
Iss.
3, Article 5.
Available at:
https://scholarship.law.ufl.edu/jlpp/vol32/iss3/5