WHY IT MATTERS
Conflict attracts attention online. This can create an incentive to exaggerate ordinary disagreements, prolong emotional situations or portray children as badly behaved because dramatic footage performs well. The audience receives entertainment while the child lives with the portrayal.
1. NEVER STAGE PUNISHMENTS
Discipline should not be created for entertainment.
2. KEEP DISAGREEMENTS PRIVATE
Ordinary family conflict doesn’t require spectators.
3. DON’T PROLONG DISTRESS
Stop filming when emotions escalate.
4. NEVER SCRIPT “BAD BEHAVIOUR”
Children shouldn’t be directed to look difficult for a storyline.
5. AVOID DRAMATIC LABELS
Titles and thumbnails can permanently misrepresent a child.
6. DON’T RECREATE ARGUMENTS
If the camera missed the conflict, leave it missed.
7. TEACH INSTEAD OF PERFORMING
The purpose of discipline is learning, not audience reaction.
8. DON’T ASK VIEWERS TO JUDGE THE CHILD
Parenting decisions should not become public votes.
9. CHECK THE INCENTIVE
Ask whether the situation is being handled differently because it makes good content.
10. PROTECT THE CHILD’S REPUTATION
A difficult afternoon shouldn’t define somebody online for years.
BOTTOM LINE
When drama gets more views, adults must be especially careful not to manufacture it from a child’s emotions.