WHY IT MATTERS
Children in monetized family content can gradually be treated less like family members living ordinary lives and more like performers expected to appear, react and help generate material. In some families, children may also be given inappropriate adult responsibilities connected to the channel or household.
1. CHILDREN ARE NOT PROPS
Their purpose is not to complete a thumbnail, challenge or storyline.
2. DON’T TREAT THEM LIKE EMPLOYEES
Children should not be expected to meet adult production demands.
3. KEEP FILMING VOLUNTARY
Participation must remain something they can refuse.
4. PROTECT PLAYTIME
Free time shouldn’t become unpaid production time.
5. DON’T GIVE CHILDREN ADULT BUSINESS PRESSURES
Sponsors, deadlines and analytics belong to adults.
6. KEEP ADULT PROBLEMS WITH ADULTS
Children shouldn’t carry financial or emotional responsibility for the channel.
7. DON’T MAKE THEM MEDIATORS
Children should not be placed between parents during adult disagreements.
8. WATCH FOR EXCESSIVE RESPONSIBILITY
Older children shouldn’t become substitute parents or managers for younger siblings.
9. GIVE THEM A LIFE OUTSIDE CONTENT
Their identity and daily routine should not revolve around filming.
10. PUT CHILDHOOD FIRST
Their developmental needs always outrank production needs.
BOTTOM LINE
Children are family members first. They should never become interchangeable performers, props or substitute adults for the sake of content.