Kids are living online, so it makes sense they want to get in on the fun. In a 2023 poll by Morning Consult, more than half of kids said they wanted to be social media influencers. As a dad, would you support that dream? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the dangers that come with being social media influencers.

Why This Matters
Kids want to be liked, so they tend to imitate the people who seem to be the most liked.

What Are the Dangers of Becoming an Influencer?
1. Safety

The Wall Street Journal reported in 2024 that the followers of one particular pre-teen girl influencer was 92% adult men.

2. Pressure

The pressure to produce daily content, look perfect, and maintain an audience is not something kids are equipped to deal with, nor should they.

3. Exploitation

Once kids start making money it’s going to be hard for parents to pull the plug. The Netflix documentary Bad Influence is a perfect example.

4. Negative Feedback

Kids don’t usually have the experience, perspective, or identity to handle negative criticism from strangers.

5. Social Media Impact

Influencing takes place primarily on social media, which invites kids to pursue the unattainable, namely being perfect.

Important Episode Timestamps
00:00 – 00:36 | Childhood Dreams and Aspirations

00:36 – 02:17 | The Kids Want to Be YouTubers

02:17 – 03:38 | The Seven-Year-Old With 1,000 Views

03:38 – 06:22 | The First Red Flag: Who’s Watching Your Kids?

06:22 – 07:42 | Kids Are Still Developing Identity and Belonging

07:42 – 10:39 | The Hidden Weight of Early Fame

10:39 – 12:25 | Disturbing Stats About Pre-Teen Influencers

12:25 – 17:01 | The Exploitation Trap — When Money Clouds Judgment

17:01 – 18:12 | No Laws Protect Kids Online

18:12 – End | How to Respond When Your Kid Wants to Be an Influencer

APD Pro Move:
Talk with your kids about influencers. Ask them who they follow on social media, watch online, and what they think life is like for influencers.

Resources:

Episode 46 – How Do I Parent in a Social Media World?

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Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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