Netflix Doc Reveals Risks To Kid Stars, As States Gut Child Labor Laws – Forbes

Netflix Documentary Sheds Light on Child Influencers and Child Labor Laws

Netflix’s latest documentary, “Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing,” premiered on April 9, 2025, and explores the world of child influencers and the inadequacy of child labor laws in the U.S. The three-part series follows the rise of Piper Rockelle, a YouTube child influencer, and sheds light on the hidden reality of child content creation.

The Rise of Kidfluencing

Piper Rockelle’s social media career was orchestrated by her mother, Tiffany Smith, who formed a group of aspiring child stars known as the “Squad.” The Squad gained immense popularity on Rockelle’s YouTube channel, where they showcased skits, dances, pranks, challenges, and crushes. The channel generated billions of views and earned between $4.2 to $7.5 million annually through revenue streams and brand partnerships.

Allegations of Abuse and Exploitation

However, as the Squad grew, concerns arose about the well-being of the children involved. Multiple Squad members came forward with allegations of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as exploitative work conditions. The children claimed to have worked long hours without breaks or meals, without on-set schooling, and without receiving fair compensation.

The Documentary and Lawsuit

“Bad Influence,” directed by Jenna Rosher and Kief Davidson, chronicles the creation of the Squad and the subsequent lawsuit filed against Tiffany Smith in 2022. The lawsuit, brought by 11 former Squad members and their parents, sought $22 million in damages. Smith settled the lawsuit for $1.85 million in 2024 without admitting wrongdoing.

Child Labor Laws Under Attack

The documentary highlights the increasing risks of child labor abuse and the need for stronger child labor protections. Violations of federal child labor laws have been on the rise, with a 43% increase in identified violations from fiscal year 2021 to fiscal year 2024. However, instead of strengthening child labor laws, many states have been introducing bills to weaken existing protections.

Wave of State Laws Weakening Child Labor Laws

Since 2021, over 60 bills to weaken child labor laws have been introduced across 29 states. At least 17 of these bills have been enacted, including measures that eliminate work permits, lower age restrictions, expand work hours, and reduce restrictions on hazardous industries. Some bills even seek to lower the minimum wage for children.

Reasons Behind Deregulation

The push to deregulate child labor is driven by industry and political forces. Business groups and conservative organizations have been advocating for weaker child labor restrictions. Some states aim to reduce protections below the federal floor set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), potentially paving the way for national deregulation of child labor laws.

Implications for Organizational Leaders

The conflicting trends of increasing child labor violations and decreasing child labor protections call for organizational leaders to stay informed about the future of child labor laws. Companies may face pressure to take a stand on this issue, and calls for incorporating child labor protection into corporate social responsibility plans may expand.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
• Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group (relevant to child labor violations and exploitation mentioned in the article).

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
• Indicator 16.2.3: Proportion of young people (aged 18-29 years) who have experienced sexual violence by age 18 (relevant to the allegations of sexual abuse mentioned in the article).

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: forbes.com