Netflix’s ‘Bad Influence’ Sparks Major Call for Change in Child Influencer Laws

Netflix is set to drop another eye-opening documentary, Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing, which exposes the disturbing reality behind the rise of child influencers. This gripping docuseries delves into the controversial relationship between YouTuber Piper Rockelle, her momager Tiffany Smith, and their circle of young social media stars.

🔥 With its shocking revelations, the documentary has reignited urgent calls for stricter child labor laws in the digital age.

📱 The Rise & Fall of Piper Rockelle’s Influencer Empire

Piper Rockelle, now 17 years old, built a massive online empire with millions of followers across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. At the peak of her success, her brand reportedly generated up to $500,000 per month.

However, behind the viral videos, Tiffany Smith was allegedly pulling the strings—and is now facing serious accusations of:

🔹 Manipulation & coercion
🔹 Exploitation of child influencers
🔹 Fostering a toxic, “cult-like” environment

One commentator in the documentary highlights the disturbing number of adult male followers, sparking further concerns about the safety of minors in online spaces.

The upcoming documentary is drawing comparisons to the Ruby Franke case, another shocking instance of child exploitation within family content.

⚖️ Netflix’s ‘Bad Influence’ Ignites Demand for Child Influencer Protection

Set to premiere on April 9, 2025, Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing has already sparked intense discussions.

Many are calling for stronger laws to regulate the social media industry for minors, with one viral comment stating:

“This is why child labor laws need to extend to social media. Kids need protection.”

🌍 Global Efforts to Protect Child Influencers

Countries worldwide are taking action to protect children in the influencer industry:

🇫🇷 France (2020): Passed a law treating child influencer work as child labor, requiring parental authorization and strict earnings regulation.

🇦🇺 Australia (2024): Approved a social media ban for children under 16, though it has yet to be fully implemented.

🇺🇸 United States: While some progress has been made, protections remain inconsistent.
✅ California, Illinois, and Minnesota have passed child influencer protection laws, but many states still lack regulations, leading some family vloggers to relocate to avoid compliance.

🗣️ Viewers React: “Finally, Someone Is Talking About This”

Netflix’s Bad Influence is already striking a chord with audiences, with many expressing relief that this issue is finally being exposed on a large scale.

💬 “I have stumbled upon this channel before and always thought it was so inappropriate! I have no idea how it went on for so long without anyone stepping in—parents, YouTube, anyone!”

💬 “Family vloggers making millions… kids lose interest, but the parents want the money. They start pressuring and blackmailing their own children.”

💬 “Been waiting for this documentary. So proud of all these victims for speaking out.”

📅 When & Where to Watch ‘Bad Influence’

🔴 Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing premieres April 9, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.

With shocking revelations and growing calls for action, this docuseries is set to spark major discussions on child exploitation in the digital age.

🗨️ What’s Your Take?

Do you think social media should be more regulated for children? Should the US implement nationwide protections for kid influencers? Drop your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️🔥