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Gen Z doesn’t want to see your kids on social media – here’s why

Gen Z doesn’t want to see your kids on social media – here’s why

A new study by Adobe reveals Gen Z’s social media habits, and it includes a surprising trend: they’re not fans of baby content.

Ruairidh Pritchard

Published: December 28, 2024 at 1:22 PM

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A new study by Adobe has delved into how Gen Z is shaping social media trends and revealed an unexpected shift in attitudes: Gen Z is becoming increasingly uncomfortable with seeing babies and young children featured in online content.

While previous generations embraced “sharing everything,” Gen Z, arguably the first generation of social media babies, are now prioritising privacy, safety, and consent – and they’re asking parents to rethink what they post.

A Cosmopolitan US report supports Adobe’s findings, showing that many Gen Z users feel baby content on platforms like TikTok is problematic. Here’s why:

Privacy concerns: Gen Z understands how algorithms can propel seemingly small posts to viral fame, leaving parents with little control over how their child’s image is viewed or used.
Exploitation risks: They’re wary of how innocent content can be misused, particularly when it involves children.
Consent is key: Gen Z places a high value on consent and argues that young children can’t agree to having their lives shared with a global audience.

The 'mumfluencer' debate

Mum influencers, or “mumfluencers,” are often at the heart of this issue. Many build their brand around parenting and family life, frequently sharing content that features their kids.

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However, this practice has come under fire. A recent video by YouTuber Isabella Lanter sparked debate earlier this year, highlighting the risks when a mum faced backlash for posting seemingly innocent videos of her daughter that some viewers found exploitative.

This controversy underscores a larger question: where should the line be drawn when it comes to including children in social media content?

Legal and ethical challenges for platforms and parents

The concerns raised by Gen Z aren’t just ethical; they intersect with legal scrutiny. In the US, TikTok is facing a lawsuit over its handling of children’s data, accused of collecting information from under-13s without proper parental consent.

The ongoing debate highlights the need for platforms to take greater responsibility for protecting children’s privacy and ensuring that content is used appropriately. Gen Z’s pushback adds momentum to these calls for stricter oversight.

Gen Z’s concerns offer a valuable perspective for parents navigating social media. Here are some practical steps to consider:

Think before you post: Reflect on whether a post involving your child is necessary. Could it pose risks to their privacy or safety?
Check your settings: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow you to restrict content visibility to trusted friends and family.
Stay informed: Keep up to date with online safety guidelines and platform policies.
Respect your child’s future: Consider how they might feel about having their life shared online when they’re older. Digital content can be permanent.

The findings from these studies and the wider pushback from Gen Z signal a cultural shift in how we approach online sharing. Their concerns about privacy, consent, and safety challenge parents to reconsider the ethics of posting children’s content online.

This isn’t about shaming – it’s about encouraging mindfulness in the digital age. As platforms like TikTok and Instagram evolve, being intentional with what we share is becoming more important than ever for UK families.

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Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.