Momfluencers, kidfluencers, educator influencers: Considering the ethics of content where students are the subject
Be sure to check out the suggested Huddle question at the bottom of this article to discuss this important topic with your students in class, if you feel it is appropriate.
Research shows that by age five, the average child already has about 1,500 pictures of them uploaded online without their consent, whether they are the subject of “momfluencing,” “kidfluencing,” or educator influencing or not. So what are these types of influencers and why should you as an educator care?
Momfluencing is a kind of content creation that focuses on sharing “tips, tribulations, and candid moments“ about parenting, while kidfluencing refers to content with a child who is either the subject of their parents’ content or has their own parent-run account. Education influencing, content made by educators, covers a wide variety of subjects, ranging from ideas for the classroom to one’s personal experiences with students.
So, what does all this content have in common? Its primary focus is school-aged kids, which has stirred up discussions, debates, and buzz surrounding “privacy, consent, and who benefits financially.”
While some states, like Illinois, have been responding with laws to protect students, many momfluencers have taken the matter into their own hands. They’ve done this by censoring certain identifiable information, such as their students’ faces or real names. Despite these efforts, many still question the ethics of this type of content creation, saying there needs to be more consideration of child privacy and consent.
For students who have grown up around social media, these forms of influencing can blur the boundaries between what’s acceptable to share online and what isn’t. In addition, educators play a role in protecting students’ privacy online as they create content from their classrooms. By working together, students, educators, and caregivers can develop the tools to make smart choices about their social media presence.
Recent trends in student-centered online content
Momfluencers, which started as “mommy bloggers,” are now part of a multibillion-dollar online influencing industry on social media. Momfluencers share various topics, from parenting tips to candid moments with their kids.
Along with kidfluencers and educator influencers, students are the main focus of these accounts, raising questions about privacy and consent. Since the start of student and kid-centered online content, experts note that no one used to question whether an influencer would showcase their child online. However, as discussions surrounding child privacy and consent have gained momentum recently, many momfluencers have started to censor the content that shows their child.
Momfluencers Brittany Balyn, Menzie, and Deja Smith are part of this growing trend and censor their content by blurring their kids’ faces and not sharing their real names to protect their children’s identities. But, even though some “momfluencers” are choosing not to feature certain information about their kids, many children’s lives are still being shared widely on the internet.
As students see how moms, kids, and education influencers handle personal information online, they learn norms and behaviors that can impact their own online interactions and behaviors. Widely sharing about children’s lives online can impact students’ sense of control over their personal information, highlighting the importance of educators guiding online privacy and consent discussions.
States are responding with new laws to protect students online.
In response to the concerns about featuring students in online content, some states have taken legislative action to protect minors from a privacy and financial perspective. In August 2023, “Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law to protect (student) social media influencers who are under 16.” The new law makes it so “kidfluencers” who appear in parent-run content will be entitled to a portion of the video earnings, which will be placed in a trust until they turn 18.
This law, championed by a student, was the first of its kind and monumental in the fight for kid influencers’ rights. Since then, several other states have enacted similar legislation, and some have taken it further to protect student influencers’ privacy. In December 2023, Maryland introduced a bill to protect student influencers’ profits, rights, and privacy. If passed, student influencers would be entitled to a certain portion of video earnings as well as the “right to be forgotten.” The “right to be forgotten” allows kidfluencers to “request the permanent deletion of the content” they appear in. However, it is important to note that it may always be there once something is posted on the internet.
People’s views on child privacy and online safety are changing as they become more aware and advocate for better protections. In fact, two-thirds of U.S. adults believe that underage influencers are exploited by their parent or guardian at least “somewhat often.” More and more, people are paying attention to the rules and ethics around showing students in their content online. While policymakers can make laws about protecting students, educators and families have an important role to play, too.
TSI’s Take
The increase in mom, kid, and education influencers has sparked important discussions about privacy and consent online and how educators can empower students to better protect their privacy like they’re famous. When we do this, we’re equipping students with the tools to control their personal information by keeping important details about themselves to themselves.
Here are some tips you can share with your students to empower them to protect their privacy:
- Respect Boundaries: Encourage students to set boundaries for themselves and respect the boundaries of others online. Emphasize the importance of asking for permission before sharing someone else’s photos or information.
- Critical Thinking Skills: Empower students to think critically about the content they encounter online. Encourage them to question the credibility of information and consider the potential consequences of sharing certain content.
- Model Positive Behavior: Lead by example and demonstrate positive online behavior yourself. Show students how to respect others’ privacy and use social media responsibly.
When we asked students how they might feel if someone posted a photo of them without permission, 76% said they would feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, angry, or upset. For more helpful insights like this, check out our #WinAtSocial Lesson: Staying in control of what family and friends share about us, and empower your students to speak up for their privacy and consent.
#WinAtSocial Huddle Question
Huddle with your students
Mom, kid, and education influencing all showcase students as the subject, leading to discussions about privacy, consent, and who benefits financially. Reflect on the impact of sharing personal information and photos online. What are the potential consequences, both short-term and long-term?
The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in empowering students by understanding students. Through #WinAtSocial, our gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, we equip students, educators, and families to navigate their social world – in the classroom and beyond, online and offline – in healthy, high-character ways. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. We incorporate timely topics about social media, tech use, and current events that are impacting student well-being and learning. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach life skills for the modern day, capture student voice, and provide school leaders with actionable insights. Through these insights, students play an essential role in school efforts to support their own health, happiness, and future success as we enable high-impact teaching, meaningful family conversations, and a healthy school culture.