About | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline

LOG IN
LOG IN


32 U. Fla. J.L. & Pub. Pol'y 547 (2021-2022)
"I Don't Work for Free": The Unpaid Labor of Child Social Media Stars

handle is hein.journals/ufpp32 and id is 559 raw text is: I DON'T WORK FOR FREE: THE UNPAID LABOR OF CHILD SOCIAL MEDIA STARS Amber Edney* ** Abstract Today, some of the biggest child stars are not getting their start on the silver screen. Instead, they are finding success through their (or their parent's) smartphones. The explosion of social media over the past few years has created a new type of child star: the kid influencer or the kidfluencer. These children appear alone or alongside their families to discuss child's clothing, toys, and other family-related topics. If they gain enough followers, they may be able to monetize their social media accounts and obtain sponsorships from big brands such as Walmart and Mattel. Even though the method of achieving celebrity status has changed, certain problems with child stardom remain the same. Some parents are willing to sacrifice their children's privacy, freedom, and mental health in their quest for fame and fortune. To make matters worse, these children are not always entitled to the money they make. This Note explores the protections (or lack thereof) afforded to children in monetized social media content. It will review what measures are being taken to protect children online in the United States and overseas. The Note ends by offering potential solutions aimed at safeguarding kidfluencers and the money they make. INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................548 I. THE RISE OF SHARENTING AND THE NEW AGE OF CHILD STARS .....................................................................552 II. SOCIAL MEDIA'S POTENTIAL TO EXPLOIT CHILDREN AND HOW STATES HAVE PROTECTED TRADITIONAL CHILD STARS..........................................................................556 III. EXISTING RULES TO PROTECT CHILDREN ONLINE..................562 * Editor's Note: This Note won the Barbara W. Makar Writing Award for the best Note submitted to the Journal among the editors of the Class of 2022. * * Amber Edney is a 2022 graduate of the University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law (UF Law). Before attending law school, Amber obtained a Bachelor of Science in marketing from the University of South Florida and was the social media specialist for a nonprofit organization. While at UF Law, Amber was a member of the University of Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy, the Entertainment and Sports Law Society, and the Art Law Society. She recently passed the Florida Bar Exam. Amber would like to thank her family and UF Law Professor Stacey Steinberg for serving as her note advisor.