NEW YORK, July 3: Effective July 1, Illinois has implemented a new amendment to its Child Labor Law mandating compensation for minors who appear on their parent or guardian’s social media profiles.

Under the new legislation, children under the age of 16 must receive 15% of an influencer’s gross earnings if they appear in at least 30% of monetized online content. This measure aims to ensure that young participants benefit financially from their contributions, with parents or guardians responsible for depositing these earnings into a trust account.

The law also grants children the right to request the removal of content featuring them. If adults fail to comply, minors have the legal recourse to pursue damages through litigation.

Johanna Grange, co-founder of Oak Street Social, emphasized the growing importance of social media as a platform for brand exposure. "Social media has become essential for reaching a broad audience," she stated, reflecting on its evolution from blogging to platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, where influencers of all sizes can generate substantial income.

The rise of "mommy vloggers" and the practice of "sharenting" — parents sharing their children's milestones online — has raised concerns about the ethical implications and the well-being of children in the digital age. Advocates argue that while these platforms offer lucrative opportunities, they also warrant protective measures for minors.

Shreya Nallamothu, 16, played a pivotal role in advocating for this legislation in Illinois after uncovering cases of potential exploitation in her research. She highlighted the importance of safeguarding children who may not fully understand the implications of their online presence.

In response to ethical considerations, Carolyn Jarrett, also from Oak Street Social, suggested that financial accountability serves as a powerful incentive for ethical behavior in social media practices.

Brooke Raybould, a mother of four and an influencer with over 702,000 Instagram followers, likened her social media activity to running a small business. She emphasized transparency with her children about their involvement and expressed optimism that they retain autonomy over their digital footprint as they grow older.

Chris Chin, a father who shares gaming videos with his son on YouTube, defended the practice as analogous to parents documenting their children's activities in other contexts, such as sports. He stressed the importance of parental oversight and respecting their child's privacy.

While Illinois pioneers this legislation, other states are beginning to consider similar measures as social media's role in family income continues to grow. The debate underscores the balance between parental creativity, financial opportunity, and safeguarding children's rights in the digital era.

Raybould concluded with optimism for her children's future autonomy, expressing confidence that their online presence as content creator's children allows for a transition into their own pursuits as they mature.

As the impact of social media on family dynamics evolves, ongoing dialogue and regulatory measures aim to protect both children's interests and parental responsibilities in the digital age.