Netflix’s documentary Bad Influence sheds light on the troubling trend of children becoming digital content creators. Often driven by their families, these children are pushed into the world of online fame, sponsorships, and views. The result is a crisis of blurred boundaries, emotional neglect, and significant psychological harm.
Unlike traditional industries like film or modeling, which regulate child labor, the influencer world offers little protection. Children are often filmed in their homes without their knowledge or consent. In many cases, their parents control the content, turning the family dynamic into one where caregivers become managers, and the child’s life becomes a product.
This lack of autonomy can have serious consequences. Studies show that children who are not in control of their environment are more vulnerable to anxiety, identity confusion, and emotional issues (Perry & Szalavitz, 2017). In the world of kidfluencing, kids aren’t just living—they’re performing. Their privacy is commodified.
Psychologists warn of the dangers of parentification, a situation where children take on adult responsibilities to meet a parent’s needs. In kidfluencing families, this often leads to performance pressure, exposure, and the internalization of adult expectations (Hooper, 2007). The developmental process of forming a healthy identity, particularly during adolescence, can be severely disrupted by constant online exposure (Erikson, 1968). For these children, growth into adulthood becomes a process of conforming to the online persona shaped by others.
A disturbing aspect of Bad Influence is the narcissistic behavior of some parents who manage their children’s online presence. Narcissistic parenting, marked by control and a lack of empathy, is especially harmful when the family’s income depends on the child’s online popularity (Brummelman et al., 2015). This creates an environment where children feel unable to speak out, as it threatens their safety, relationships, and even the family’s financial stability.
This dynamic often leads to trauma bonding, where children emotionally connect with those who harm them (Dutton & Painter, 1993). The result is a lifetime of silencing, which can persist into adulthood.
Many children in the documentary chose silence, a response common in abusive environments. Silence becomes a defense mechanism to avoid re-traumatization and loss of support (Herman, 1992). This pattern is seen across various vulnerable groups, from children in difficult family situations to those with eating disorders who are pressured to perform recovery for their families. When love is conditional, silence is often the only way to protect oneself.
While countries like France have taken steps to protect child influencers, such as placing their earnings in trust until adulthood (Assemblée Nationale, 2020), the U.S. and the UK have fallen behind. There are no federal protections in the U.S., and online platforms have minimal regulation.
Cultural change is also needed. We must ask why it’s acceptable to exploit children’s vulnerabilities for entertainment. No child should be forced to trade privacy for parental approval or online fame.
The psychological toll of kidfluencing is profound and often invisible. These children face emotional abuse, developmental disruption, and a loss of identity, compounded by the risks of online harassment. Bad Influence challenges us to confront a troubling reality: children raised for content may one day need therapy because of it. Until legal protections evolve and society stops rewarding exploitation, children will continue to suffer for clicks.
Related Topics:
