Child Influencer Content & Potential Government Regulation: For or Against?

Are the Kids Alright? New Laws Say: Maybe With a Trust Fund

The government has entered the group chat.

Several U.S. states—led by Illinois, Minnesota, and California—are now cracking down on child influencer content. Their message? “Here’s your money—see you at 18.”

These new regulations mandate that a portion of earnings from monetized content featuring minors must go into trust accounts. That means no more “Mommy bought a Tesla with my toy unboxing money” stories. Even more revolutionary? Kids will now have the right to wipe their digital footprints clean once they hit adulthood. That’s right—at 18, they can delete the viral tantrum in aisle five and finally move on from “Diaper Dance Challenge, 2017.”

This movement is as much about ethics as it is about psychology. Teen wellness advocates have long warned of the mental toll early internet exposure takes on kids. It’s hard enough growing up without your worst moods, messiest hair, and most cringe-worthy phase available in 4K. The rise of “dumb phones,” mindfulness apps, and even social media detox retreats among teens suggests Gen Z is over being chronically online. They want their brains back. And maybe their privacy, too.

The irony? The same platforms that turned kids into cash cows are now full of Gen Z teens advocating for digital balance and better boundaries. It’s like if Willy Wonka’s Oompa Loompas unionized mid-movie.

But where does this go? Imagine content platforms offering kid-safe creator modes—limited hours, no comments, mandatory mental health breaks. Or better yet: child labor protections, but for ring lights and brand deals.

But let’s play devils advocate - why not let the mini moguls touch their own money?

If a 14-year-old can generate six figures reviewing slime or gaming on Twitch, shouldn’t they have a say in how it’s spent? We trust teens to tutor, babysit, and even co-found startups—yet when it comes to accessing their earnings, it’s suddenly “wait until you’re grown”?

A middle ground could work: supervised spending accounts, financial literacy courses, and capped withdrawals for education, hobbies, etc. Denying access entirely can create resentment—and worse, clueless adults managing it. If the kid is the brand, maybe the kid deserves a budget. After all, if you’re old enough to sign merch at VidCon, maybe you’re old enough to buy a decent lunch without a parental committee vote..

One day, these kids will grow up. And if the laws work, they’ll inherit not just a trust fund—but peace of mind.

#LetYourVoiceBeHeard