The latest episode of web series “Subway Takes” tackles an increasingly controversial practice: parents monetizing their children’s images on social media platforms. Host Kareem Rahma filmed the segment in London’s Underground with British content creator and podcaster Shelen, who voiced strong criticism toward parents who require their children to participate in TikTok videos as a form of income generation.
Shelen drew a clear distinction between casual family moments shared online and systematic exploitation, arguing that regularly demanding children perform for content amounts to labor. She outlined multiple concerns, including financial compensation issues, exposure to online predators, parental control over children’s image rights, and the emerging threat of artificial intelligence manipulating young people’s likenesses without consent.
Currently, the United Kingdom lacks specific regulations governing child influencers, leaving a significant legal gap. While children under 14 may work part-time in traditional entertainment sectors with proper licensing, these protections do not extend to digital content creation. Across the Atlantic, several U.S. states have begun addressing this void. Illinois became the first state to enact protective legislation in 2023, permitting minors under 16 to pursue legal action against parents who profit from their appearances without compensation. California, Minnesota, and Utah have since adopted comparable measures.
Shelen concluded optimistically, predicting that future generations will challenge these practices through litigation once they reach adulthood.
Originally reported by Mashable →
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