Online: Aid group identifies "a novel type of child work"

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.

Read also:

1. Despite the concerns raised by Terre des Hommes, the practice of using children as influencers on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok continues to gain traction in Lower Saxony, Germany.
2. The media often features these child influencers, glamorizing the idea of making money from social media platforms from a young age.
3. A local relief organization in Osnabrück has taken up the cause to highlight the exploitation of children in this digital marketing scheme.
4. The influx of money and fame has led some families to engage in child labor, with infants and toddlers often being the main actors in these videos.
5. This phenomenon is not unique to Germany; it's a global issue that requires international cooperation to combat child labor on digital platforms.
6. Popular influencers on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have a significant impact on their younger followers, potentially normalizing this practice and leading to a cycle of exploitation.
7. Child labor in the digital world is a complex issue that warrants attention from governments, social media platforms, and child's charities worldwide.
8. Most recently, a Lower Saxony-based children's charity organized a campaign to raise awareness among the public and media about the risks associated with utilizing children in digital marketing.

• Tough return to normality in snow and ice
• Steinmeier joined a moment of silence - a legal battle over an AfD protest.
• German national soccer team on their way to participate in the European Championship qualifying matches.
• The flooding has lessened, but the aftermath of mud remains.