Hey learners,
As social media continues to dominate modern parenting trends, Rajya Sabha MP, author, and philanthropist Sudha Murty has issued a strong warning about the growing practice of turning children into full-time content creators. Her remarks highlight a rapidly rising concern: kids are losing their childhood to the pressures of online popularity and parent-driven content creation.
In recent years, platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and short-video apps have seen an explosion of child-focused content. From daily vlogs to product promotions, many parents are increasingly involving their children in monetized videos—often without fully understanding the long-term psychological effects.
Children Becoming “Content Machines”
Sudha Murty cautioned that today’s kids are being shaped more by cameras than by real-life experiences. She noted that many parents, knowingly or unknowingly, push their children to perform for social media, turning precious moments of childhood into content for public consumption.
Experts echo her concerns, stating that this trend places adult-sized pressure on young minds. Instead of spending time learning, playing, and exploring, children are expected to act, pose, and deliver content that attracts likes, views, and followers.
Mental Health at Risk: Research Supports the Warning
Recent studies and child-rights bodies such as UNICEF warn that early exposure to social media can lead to:
- Stress and performance pressure
- Anxiety and comparison behaviour
- Reduced attention span
- Overdependence on validation
- Long-term identity and self-esteem issues
Children are not emotionally ready to handle online criticism, view counts, or the constant need to “perform” for an audience. Over time, this can significantly influence their confidence, personality, and emotional development.
Growing Global and National Concerns
Several countries have already implemented laws to protect minors involved in monetized digital content. India, too, is exploring guidelines to regulate child influencers, ensuring guardian consent, transparency, and limited exposure.
With family vlogs, kid influencers, and child-based brand collaborations becoming increasingly common, Sudha Murty’s message serves as an urgent reminder for parents to rethink digital parenting.
“Let Children Be Children” — A Call for Responsible Parenting
Sudha Murty emphasizes that childhood should remain a time of innocence, imagination, and discovery—not a cycle of content shoots and online performances. She urges parents to prioritize holistic growth over social media popularity.
Her message reinforces a broader movement advocating for healthier childhoods, reduced screen dependency, and conscious digital habits within families.