Risks Facing Child Influencers From Online Predators

In our study, “Risks Facing Child Influencers From Online Predators,” we highlight the dangers children face on social media. We have found that many young users, including child influencers, face significant risks, including cyberstalking and online threats.

These risks are especially concerning for child influencers, who often have public profiles that attract widespread attention. Their visibility makes them easy targets for online predators, underscoring the need for better safety measures.

Key Findings: the Risks of Social Media

Social media plays a major role in teens’ lives, with 81% of teens using these platforms and 65% logging on more than once a day. This constant use increases their exposure to online predators, making the risks especially concerning.

The data we analyzed from various sources also reveal the following:

• 59% of sex traffickers use the internet to connect with buyers for illegal services.
• 82% of online predators rely on social media to find information about potential victims.
• One in seven youths has received sexual messages online.
• One in 33 youths has experienced aggressive sexual advances.

The frequent use of social media by teens, combined with predators’ reliance on these platforms, shows the urgent need for stronger safety measures to protect young users.

How Social Media Exposes Younger Children to Risks

For younger children, the risks are even more startling – 40% of children in grades four through eight reported chatting with strangers online. An analysis of internet use among youths found:

•  53% revealed their phone numbers.
• 21% spoke by phone.
• 15% tried to meet strangers in person.
• 11% met a stranger in their home, a stranger’s home, or a park, mall, or restaurant.
• 30% texted a stranger from their phone.
• 6% shared their home addresses, further exposing them to harm.

Who Are Child Influencers?

Child influencers are minors who build large followings on online platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

They grow their audiences by sharing content related to gaming, toys, fashion, or family activities.

• Parents manage many of these accounts, acting as moderators and business managers.
• Some child influencers earn significant income, with top creators making up to $26 million annually, according to a study by Humanium.

However, these children’s public profiles expose them to risks that go beyond typical online experiences. For example, a Statista analysis found that boys aged 13 to 17 are more likely to face physical threats, while girls are most likely to receive unwanted sexually explicit messages.

Why Child Influencers Are Especially Vulnerable Online

Child influencers face unique challenges because of their public visibility and inexperience. Unlike the average child, they share personal details, routines, and preferences with a large audience. 

Sharing this information can make them easy targets for predators who use tactics like grooming and manipulation.

Key risks include:

• Public visibility: Child influencers often lack privacy settings, making it easier for predators to access their information.
• Fake accounts: Predators may pose as fans, peers, or professionals to gain trust.
• Emotional immaturity: Children are less prepared to recognize and respond to inappropriate behavior online.

Social media platforms add to the problem. Their algorithms focus on engagement and visibility but often overlook user safety. Weak moderation lets harmful messages, fake accounts, and exploitation slip through.

The Role of Parents in Protecting Child Influencers While Online

Parents play a critical role in protecting their children’s online presence. Parents manage many child influencers’ accounts, but even the most vigilant monitoring may not prevent all risks.

To reduce dangers, parents should:

• Set clear boundaries about what personal information can be shared online.
• Monitor all interactions, including comments, messages, and follower activity.
• Use privacy settings to limit who can view and interact with their child’s content.
• Educate children on online safety, including recognizing red flags like inappropriate messages or grooming attempts.

Some Preteens Are Setting Their Sights on Social Media Careers

Many young people now aspire to social media fame, with one in three preteens saying they want to be influencers, according to a recent PBS News report we reviewed. While this can bring creative and financial benefits, it also increases exposure to serious risks.

Why This Issue Is Important

The risks to child influencers highlight broader issues with online safety for children. Social media platforms often overlook child safety, leaving young users vulnerable.

Our analysis of data presented by Statista reveals a concerning reality:

• 26% of children aged 9–17 report harmful experiences on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, with 16% reporting online sexual interactions.
• Snapchat was linked to three criminal sex trafficking cases in the U.S. in 2023. Another website, Skip the Games, was identified in nine criminal sex-trafficking cases in the same year.
• Also, in 2023, 213,592 people were victims of sex offenses, including over 95,000 children aged 15 and under.

The Mental Health Effects of Social Media on Children

Social media can harm mental health as well as expose young people to exploitation. Data we have reviewed also shows that 55% of adults worry about its effects on children, including anxiety, depression, and pressure to maintain a public image.

Constant comparison to others and the need to appear perfect online can lead to low self-esteem and emotional stress. These challenges highlight the importance of creating a healthier digital environment for young users.

What Must Change to Protect Child Influencers and Young Social Media Users

Action is needed from all sides to protect child influencers and other young users. We have concluded the following areas require immediate attention:

• Social media platforms:
  • Strengthen privacy settings and content moderation.
  • Develop tools for parents to monitor accounts effectively.
• Parents and educators:
  • Teach children about online safety and the risks of sharing personal information.
  • Advocate for stricter regulations to protect young users.
• Communities and policymakers:
  • Increase awareness about the dangers children face online.
  • Support initiatives that prioritize children’s safety on social media.

The Future: Building Safe Online Spaces for Child Influencers 

The digital world gives children exciting ways to be creative and build their futures, but their safety must come first. Parents, teachers, and social media companies can work together to make online spaces safer by using privacy settings, monitoring accounts, and teaching kids to spot red flags.

Families facing challenges related to online exploitation or harm can benefit from legal guidance.

Our Bellevue personal injury lawyers understand these difficult situations and work to protect children’s rights and well-being so they can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.