Protecting Young Influencers: California’s Landmark Legislation for Child Social Media Stars

In a significant move aimed at safeguarding the interests of child influencers in the digital realm, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed into law new measures designed to ensure that minors who generate income through social media platforms are protected from financial exploitation. These groundbreaking regulations come in the wake of the evolving landscape of content creation, particularly on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, which have transformed how children engage with the public and build their personal brands. For far too long, parents and guardians have had unregulated control over the financial activities of minors in this space, prompting the need for protections akin to those long established for child actors in traditional media.

Historically, California has been a pioneer in establishing laws aimed at the protection of child performers, with the landmark Coogan Law put in place almost eight decades ago after the notorious case of child actor Jackie Coogan, who faced serious financial mismanagement by his parents. However, as societal norms and technology have advanced, it became apparent that existing laws no longer adequately addressed the complexities of the digital age. The phenomenon of “sharenthood”—where families monetize their child’s experiences and milestones online—has emerged as both a popular and profitable pursuit. Yet, the lack of regulatory oversight has raised alarms about the potential for abuse and exploitation within this booming industry.

Family-oriented vlogs serve as a prime example of this new landscape, often sharing intimate moments from everyday life that would typically remain private. Parents may feature their children discussing personal matters such as education, health, and social experiences—sharply blurring the lines between entertainment and exploitation. While these videos can generate substantial revenue through brand partnerships and ad views—sometimes amounting to tens of thousands of dollars per upload—the ethical implications are profound. Critics argue that children involved in these projects may not fully comprehend the long-term consequences of their participation, leaving them vulnerable to issues like anxiety, privacy invasion, and even cyberbullying.

Under the new laws, which received widespread bipartisan approval, parents must now adhere to strict financial accountability standards when profiting from their children’s social media presence. This requirement includes setting up a trust fund for their child influencers, ensuring that a significant portion of their earnings—specifically at least 15%—is secured for their future. Details of each child’s participation in content, such as the duration they appear in videos and the generated income, must be meticulously documented. This is a game-changer for minors who find themselves at the mercy of their parents’ financial decisions, as they now possess the right to sue for any failure to comply with these regulations.

Support for these protective measures has been robust, with endorsements from prominent groups like the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) as well as influential figures such as Demi Lovato. Lovato, who has openly discussed the challenges faced by child performers, emphasized the importance of enacting regulations that not only safeguard children but also respect their agency as they transition into adulthood. This new framework seeks to balance the interests of parental oversight with the rights of young influencers, echoing Lovato’s sentiments about the necessity of compassionate governance in this transformative era.

Effective next year, these laws will lay the groundwork for a cautious yet progressive approach toward protecting young social media stars. As society grapples with the mental health implications of social media on children—a concern that Governor Newsom has been actively addressing through other legislative measures—the hope is that these new regulations will promote a healthier digital environment. By advocating for clearer boundaries and has set a precedent that respects the voices and rights of children, California’s legislative efforts mark a landmark achievement in the ongoing pursuit of ethical practices in an increasingly complex media landscape. The influence of these laws may extend beyond California as other states look to adopt similar protections, paving the way for a more responsible and protective framework for young digital creators across the nation.