Child "Influencers" (Exploitation)

[SaddlePsych'D]

Not completely sure where I'm going with this but bear with; I want to do something useful/positive about something I'm finding myself increasingly worried about.

Does anyone here know about work going on to campaign for rights/safeguarding of child influencers, particularly in the UK equestrian sphere? I think Everyday Eventers vlog has shared content about this in the past so I will see what I can find but hoping to tap into HHO hive mind.

There are a couple of accounts that I find especially worrying, so I reached out to the NSPCC to find out what legislation exists or might be proposed, or whether they are doing any work with organisations/brands etc. to highlight the issues around children being used for "parent led" social media accounts.

I was mainly thinking broad/strategic level stuff but they've come back to ask me quite a lot of detailed information and I will do my best with it; I doubt things will go further reporting particular accounts but I am keen to know what's out there campaign-wise as I know I am far from alone in the concern for the emotional and psychological welfare of these children. On the flip side, I find it disturbing how many brands and event organisers are complicit in what's going on and how little power these children have to say 'no'. I dread to think what this is storing up for the future.

 

[BeansNsausages]

It does make for uncomfortable viewing and is something I also feel strongly about

 

[Equi]

It might be helpful to get in contact with an acting/modeling agency that deals with children. They will have knowledge of laws for child labor/safeguarding/agency.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

It might be helpful to get in contact with an acting/modeling agency that deals with children. They will have knowledge of laws for child labor/safeguarding/agency.

Ooh excellent idea! I can ask my SiL if she has any contacts via the acting work she does.

Eta - I've found some general information on child employment which might be useful.

 

[mariew]

Good point, It's not really child influencers though? It's parents pushing their kids hard via social media? At least the ones I am thinking of. I wonder how much revenue goes to the kids instead of the parents. .

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Good point, It's not really child influencers though? It's parents pushing their kids hard via social media? At least the ones I am thinking of. I wonder how much revenue goes to the kids instead of the parents. .

You are absolutely right, that term in itself is problematic. I'm not sure what other term to use for people to know what I'm talking about, will have a think but totally agree it doesn't at all describe what's really going on.

 

[Rowreach]

Child exploitation?

 

[LEC]

I think if YouTube turned around and said children under age of 16 couldn’t be monetised then it would be a very different environment…..

 

[midnight2025]

Let me guess you’re taking about Harlow and popcorn Harlow is 13 which is fine for a teenager to have an account and make money according to YouTube guidelines.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Let me guess you’re taking about Harlow and popcorn Harlow is 13 which is fine for a teenager to have an account and make money according to YouTube guidelines.

Not specifically about Harlow no.

Eta - 13 is still very much a child.

 

[JFTDWS]

There are more concerning accounts than Harlow.

 

[ElleSkywalker]

Let me guess you’re taking about Harlow and popcorn Harlow is 13 which is fine for a teenager to have an account and make money according to YouTube guidelines.

She's been doing it for many years though, at least 3 that I'm aware of but possibly longer.

The whole child influencer thing worries me a lot, one in particular who has vanished or gone behind a pay wall now that offered her little cherubs and their ponies up for 'a picnic in the fairy glade' or similar for a few hundred quid springs to mind.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

She's been doing it for many years though, at least 3 that I'm aware of but possibly longer.

The whole child influencer thing worries me a lot, one in particular who has vanished or gone behind a pay wall now that offered her little cherubs and their ponies up for 'a picnic in the fairy glade' or similar for a few hundred quid springs to mind.

Wow, that's one that I've missed.

 

[JFTDWS]

There's another who posts a lot of her kid's medical information online. I'm not sure a child can really consent to the level of over sharing some of these people think is appropriate.

 

[ElleSkywalker]

Wow, that's one that I've missed.

It was a few years ago now as as mentioned this woman and children have vanished behind some sort of pay wall or completely. She did try and back track and say the cherubs wouldn't be involved etc but on first reading of her 'special offer' it certainly didn't read that way.

 

[Muddy unicorn]

Not completely sure where I'm going with this but bear with; I want to do something useful/positive about something I'm finding myself increasingly worried about.

Does anyone here know about work going on to campaign for rights/safeguarding of child influencers, particularly in the UK equestrian sphere? I think Everyday Eventers vlog has shared content about this in the past so I will see what I can find but hoping to tap into HHO hive mind.

There are a couple of accounts that I find especially worrying, so I reached out to the NSPCC to find out what legislation exists or might be proposed, or whether they are doing any work with organisations/brands etc. to highlight the issues around children being used for "parent led" social media accounts.

I was mainly thinking broad/strategic level stuff but they've come back to ask me quite a lot of detailed information and I will do my best with it; I doubt things will go further reporting particular accounts but I am keen to know what's out there campaign-wise as I know I am far from alone in the concern for the emotional and psychological welfare of these children. On the flip side, I find it disturbing how many brands and event organisers are complicit in what's going on and how little power these children have to say 'no'. I dread to think what this is storing up for the future.

I think there were some senate (?) hearings in the States a few weeks ago which heard evidence from former child influencers - not equestrian-specific but very eloquent on the long-lasting effects of a monetised childhood. It might also be worth contacting Champion to ask them about their decision to stop using child influencers.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

There's another who posts a lot of her kid's medical information online. I'm not sure a child can really consent to the level of over sharing some of these people think is appropriate.

That one is definitely high up on the list of worrying-ness.

I think there were some senate (?) hearings in the States a few weeks ago which heard evidence from former child influencers - not equestrian-specific but very eloquent on the long-lasting effects of a monetised childhood. It might also be worth contacting Champion to ask them about their decision to stop using child influencers.

Ah I thought I saw something like that and couldn't remember if it was here or in the US.

I reached out to Champion prior to that decision to let them know it was a factor in my riding hat replacement choice. I also messaged them after they changed their policy to give positive feedback and express my hope that other brands would do the same. I believe the decision came from the company which owns Champion and Toggi.

 

[Miss_Millie]

When I see this kind of thing, it makes me grateful that I grew up in a time before social media existed. There was MSN and MySpace was in its infancy, but overall we were just able to be kids, go outside and play with our friends etc. I do wonder if at some point there will be a rebellion against the likes of Facebook and Instagram - right now there is such a blur between online personas and reality and I think this will be very damaging for the next generation.

I feel really sorry for these children, no doubt they'll need therapy when they're adults and realise that they were cash-cows for their parents. I remember being mortified on my 18th birthday when my parents played a compilation of home videos to close family at my birthday party, me in nappies and in the paddling pool, talking twaddle...imagine this but instead of your aunties and uncles watching, it's anyone in the world. Quite creepy and overwhelming, enough to give any child or teenager mental health problems imo.

 

[Ceifer]

When I see this kind of thing, it makes me grateful that I grew up in a time before social media existed. There was MSN and MySpace was in its infancy, but overall we were just able to be kids, go outside and play with our friends etc. I do wonder if at some point there will be a rebellion against the likes of Facebook and Instagram - right now there is such a blur between online personas and reality and I think this will be very damaging for the next generation.

I feel really sorry for these children, no doubt they'll need therapy when they're adults and realise that they were cash-cows for their parents. I remember being mortified on my 18th birthday when my parents played a compilation of home videos to close family at my birthday party, me in nappies and in the paddling pool, talking twaddle...imagine this but instead of your aunties and uncles watching, it's anyone in the world. Quite creepy and overwhelming, enough to give any child or teenager mental health problems imo.

I agree with this. I am so glad I didn’t have to deal with social media at a young age.

There are some questionable social media accounts out there with young riders earning a lot of money/getting free things. I think unfortunately it’ll take something large and negative to happen before a change/regulations come in.

It echoes back to child actors and the Coogan Law being passed to at least try and protect earnings if nothing else.
This is something much bigger and so much harder to regulate.

 

[Cobxfan55]

There's another who posts a lot of her kid's medical information online. I'm not sure a child can really consent to the level of over sharing some of these people think is appropriate.

I can't remember the person user name on instagram at the moment but I know she has a lot of food problems I remember seeing a video of her doing egg nog and her dad did a few with her or her brother joined a few times

 

[DressageCob]

I commented on the ridiculous things on Facebook thread about this already but I am concerned about one account with a child under the age of 10 who is now offering a subscription package where the top tier has access to the child via social media and playing online games with her (games which include chatting). To me, if the subscription package was aimed at similar aged horsey kids then I'd expect the package to include something like a hat silk, a photo of a pony, maybe an online Q&A hosted by the parents at a push. She already has merch available. Offering online gameplay is strange to me. You can't control what strangers say in games, and the comments are live (whereas comments on FB are easily deleted and I wouldn't expect a kid to be the one reading the comments there in any event). And I don't agree with livestreaming kids either, which is another thing top tier subscribers get to watch.

I understand needing to raise funds to be able to do what you do, but I think the child's safety has to be a priority. And their comfort. It's like all the kids who are pranked by their parents for YouTube. It's not their choice, not in their control and they may not want their peers, teachers or anyone else to see that. Children are their own people, and I don't think anyone should post them online without their agreement, and they can't agree until they are old enough to understand what that means.

 

[teapot]

I commented on the ridiculous things on Facebook thread about this already but I am concerned about one account with a child under the age of 10 who is now offering a subscription package where the top tier has access to the child via social media and playing online games with her (games which include chatting). To me, if the subscription package was aimed at similar aged horsey kids then I'd expect the package to include something like a hat silk, a photo of a pony, maybe an online Q&A hosted by the parents at a push. She already has merch available. Offering online gameplay is strange to me. You can't control what strangers say in games, and the comments are live (whereas comments on FB are easily deleted and I wouldn't expect a kid to be the one reading the comments there in any event). And I don't agree with livestreaming kids either, which is another thing top tier subscribers get to watch.

I understand needing to raise funds to be able to do what you do, but I think the child's safety has to be a priority. And their comfort. It's like all the kids who are pranked by their parents for YouTube. It's not their choice, not in their control and they may not want their peers, teachers or anyone else to see that. Children are their own people, and I don't think anyone should post them online without their agreement, and they can't agree until they are old enough to understand what that means.

That's concerning. Sounds like a groomer's paradise.

 

[Cobxfan55]

I commented on the ridiculous things on Facebook thread about this already but I am concerned about one account with a child under the age of 10 who is now offering a subscription package where the top tier has access to the child via social media and playing online games with her (games which include chatting). To me, if the subscription package was aimed at similar aged horsey kids then I'd expect the package to include something like a hat silk, a photo of a pony, maybe an online Q&A hosted by the parents at a push. She already has merch available. Offering online gameplay is strange to me. You can't control what strangers say in games, and the comments are live (whereas comments on FB are easily deleted and I wouldn't expect a kid to be the one reading the comments there in any event). And I don't agree with livestreaming kids either, which is another thing top tier subscribers get to watch.

I understand needing to raise funds to be able to do what you do, but I think the child's safety has to be a priority. And their comfort. It's like all the kids who are pranked by their parents for YouTube. It's not their choice, not in their control and they may not want their peers, teachers or anyone else to see that. Children are their own people, and I don't think anyone should post them online without their agreement, and they can't agree until they are old enough to understand what that means.

That sounds incredible scary

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I commented on the ridiculous things on Facebook thread about this already but I am concerned about one account with a child under the age of 10 who is now offering a subscription package where the top tier has access to the child via social media and playing online games with her (games which include chatting). To me, if the subscription package was aimed at similar aged horsey kids then I'd expect the package to include something like a hat silk, a photo of a pony, maybe an online Q&A hosted by the parents at a push. She already has merch available. Offering online gameplay is strange to me. You can't control what strangers say in games, and the comments are live (whereas comments on FB are easily deleted and I wouldn't expect a kid to be the one reading the comments there in any event). And I don't agree with livestreaming kids either, which is another thing top tier subscribers get to watch.

I understand needing to raise funds to be able to do what you do, but I think the child's safety has to be a priority. And their comfort. It's like all the kids who are pranked by their parents for YouTube. It's not their choice, not in their control and they may not want their peers, teachers or anyone else to see that. Children are their own people, and I don't think anyone should post them online without their agreement, and they can't agree until they are old enough to understand what that means.

It was this which was the thing to push me towards action, having been worried about the other accounts mentioned for a while.

 

[shortstuff99]

The problem with this issue is if you try and raise it the parents go after you with some force and then send all the fans to harass you too.

 

[hazel25]

I commented on the ridiculous things on Facebook thread about this already but I am concerned about one account with a child under the age of 10 who is now offering a subscription package where the top tier has access to the child via social media and playing online games with her (games which include chatting). To me, if the subscription package was aimed at similar aged horsey kids then I'd expect the package to include something like a hat silk, a photo of a pony, maybe an online Q&A hosted by the parents at a push. She already has merch available. Offering online gameplay is strange to me. You can't control what strangers say in games, and the comments are live (whereas comments on FB are easily deleted and I wouldn't expect a kid to be the one reading the comments there in any event). And I don't agree with livestreaming kids either, which is another thing top tier subscribers get to watch.

That sounds terrifying

Would be incredibly worried that the child might come into serious harm they might not even understand at that age which would be so damaging long-term.

 

[SEL]

There's another who posts a lot of her kid's medical information online. I'm not sure a child can really consent to the level of over sharing some of these people think is appropriate.

I was thinking of that one. Insta keeps showing me & I find it uncomfortable

 

[JFTDWS]

I was thinking of that one. Insta keeps showing me & I find it uncomfortable

I liked a video of the kid riding at a competition years and years ago, and IG showed me nothing else for months until I blocked the page. In that time, the stuff I saw that the mother thought it was appropriate to film and share was... astonishingly private.

 

[SantaVera]

I'd be raising the issue with my MP . If the likes of you tube can be made to stop the use of children then this would help. Legislation is needed. I have for a long time followed some you tubers who are home making Mennonites. They do fairly bland stuff like cooking and cleaning but they do involve their children, eating meals and wearing homemade clothes and so on. It's the family homely thing that's gets followers but I do think involving Thier children can't be right.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

The problem with this issue is if you try and raise it the parents go after you with some force and then send all the fans to harass you too.

I can imagine. I'm not thinking to raise it with parents myself, more like a collective thing; I imagine (hope!) there are already people working on it.

I like the MP idea @SantaVera