Children as Content Creators. Does it have to be Embarrassing?

 

One of the most embarrassing moments for most of us who grew in the 1980s and 1990s was when guests would visit and your parent decides to show them the family photo album. Some of the photos in there had maybe you crying, or maybe one of your fingers in the mouth, maybe you had oil on one side of the face or oversized clothes. 

These photos are being retrieved for guests to see and mind you you are already in campus. Then you hear your mother explaining. "This one here is Grace, she is the one who liked to cry when photos were being taken. " "This is Albert, he Never liked his hair combed". 

Now with the domination of social Media, it's not about the family photos. It is about the photos that the parents are posting on social media platforms that the kids will come to see in future. 

Well, with content creation being an income generating activity, some parents have found an avenue to put their kids out there to do content creation. This one is a very good thing especially for the parents who realize their kid is talented in a particular field like music, playing instruments, dancing, acrobats. Then the parents support the talent by putting the kid out there. 

This has turned out very well for some of the kids and the parents as those talents showcased online have made the kids get good scholarships, international travels, being linked with successful mentors in various fields they are talented in. And of course money from being brand ambassadors and you tube views. 

However, there's still another side of the coin. Some parents instead of using social media to showcase the talents of kids, they're posting their kids maybe when they're crying, throwing tantrums. Even going live when the child is frustrated about something. All in the name of content. I do not think when a child is at their lowest frustrated moment is the perfect content for online viewers. Especially with the internet never forgetting. Well, TO EACH THEIR OWN. 

I do not think a teenager whose embarrassing photos were posted online when they were toddlers and preschoolers would be so happy about it. No teenager likes to be embarrassed. 

Considering the generation we are raising óf children who have their own voice, am seeing a situation where parents will be sued for defamation. The Children arguing the parent had the role of protecting the child from shame. But instead used their right to make decisions as a parent to create content using the lowest moments of a child. 

Especially those posts made and the innocent child is trolled. How will this child feel later in life after reading all those mean comments. Just because their parent uploaded embarrassing photos and videos? 

Anyway, I have said to each their own. But I don't beleive a child's lowest moment is content creation. 

For parents showcasing your kids talents online. Keep going. You will one day see them in America Got Talent. They will make you go places. They will also go places and dine with kings. 

For those setting up their kids to be trolled online. I don't know what to say. But internet never forgets. Think about what that child will feel at 20 years when they come across such photos and videos. 

© Joyce Mwai

Author/ Coach/ Teenagers Mentor