Press Outlets Redefine Norms in Coverage of Forced Labor Issues - Online: Aid group identifies "a novel type of child work"
The practice of marketing children on digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram has turned into a modern form of child labor within the family, according to an assessment by the nonprofit organization Terre des Hommes. This type of marketing, involving influencers and influencers, is a billion-dollar industry where families exhibit their kids to their followers in exchange for money. The videos sometimes receive millions of views.
What makes this type of marketing particularly popular is the involvement of babies and toddlers, leading companies to advertise through these channels. However, the families' homes become publicly visible, effectively eliminating the concept of a private sphere, and their daily lives are staged for public consumption. This can put their personal security, health, and emotional development at risk.
"As per the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the welfare of the child should be given priority, which is not the case in these situations," said Joshua Hofert, the managing director of Terre des Hommes, during the unveiling of their annual child labor report for 2024. He also added, "The Child Labor Protection Law prohibits activities for children under three years of age. The relevant authorities must immediately put a stop to the inclusion of infants and toddlers in the channels of commercially active family influencers."
In addition, contributions where the privacy of older children is violated or their safety is compromised should be halted. "Here, too, companies have a responsibility not to enable advertising in channels where children are exposed to such risks," confirms Hofert.
