Should a Child’s Mistake Be Considered Free Content for Creators?

In the age of digital storytelling and social media, vlogging has become a popular avenue for sharing daily life experiences. However, this trend raises ethical questions, especially when the content involves children and their mistakes. A recent incident involving a vlogger dad who posted content about his daughter crashing his car has sparked a debate: Should a child’s mistake be considered free content for creators?


The Incident

A popular vlogger dad recently made headlines when he posted a video about how his daughter crashed his car.

The video, which garnered millions of views, showed the daughter’s remorse and the father’s reaction.

While the video entertained many, it left the daughter feeling humiliated and uncomfortable. This raises the question of whether parents have the right to share their children’s mistakes publicly for content.

Ethical Considerations

1. Consent and Privacy: Unlike adults, children may not fully understand the implications of having their mistakes broadcast to a wide audience. Informed consent is challenging in such scenarios, as children might agree to be filmed without grasping the long-term consequences.

2. Emotional Impact: Publicly sharing a child’s mistake can have a lasting emotional impact. Humiliation, embarrassment, and loss of trust are potential side effects that can affect the child’s mental well-being. It’s crucial to consider whether the content is worth the possible emotional damage.

3.

Exploitation: Monetizing content that involves a child’s mistake borders on exploitation. The child’s error becomes a source of entertainment and income for the parent, which raises moral concerns. The Illinois law that mandates parenting influencers to set aside 15% of earnings for their kids aims to combat such exploitation.

Legal Framework

Laws are beginning to catch up with the digital age. For instance, Illinois recently enacted legislation requiring parents to allocate 15% of earnings derived from videos featuring their children to the children themselves. This law is a step towards protecting children from being exploited by their parents for financial gain.

Alternatives to Public Shaming

Parents have alternative ways to discipline and educate their children without resorting to public shaming. Open communication, private discussions, and setting a good example are effective methods. Sharing positive aspects of the child’s life can build their confidence and encourage responsible behavior.

While vlogging offers a unique platform for sharing life experiences, it also comes with ethical responsibilities. Parents should carefully weigh the pros and cons before posting content involving their children, especially when it highlights mistakes. The emotional and psychological well-being of the child should always come first. As society becomes more aware of these issues, it’s essential to advocate for laws and practices that protect children in the digital realm.

For more information on ethical guidelines for content creation involving children, you can visit the Child Mind Institute for expert advice. Additionally, check out Common Sense Media for resources on responsible digital parenting.

In the end, the question remains: Is a viral video worth the potential harm to your child’s sense of self and privacy? It’s a question every vlogger parent must answer for themselves.