Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Physical and online abuse in family vloggers docuseries.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
An Update on Our Family
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
AN UPDATE ON OUR FAMILY covers the infamous case of Myka and James Stauffer, popular YouTube family vloggers who adopted a boy from China, documented his life online, and later "rehomed him," sparking massive backlash. The series examines the ethics of family vlogging, the impact of influencer culture on children, and how social media audiences can turn from supportive to vicious in an instant.
Is It Any Good?
The docuseries effectively exposes the disturbing reality of child exploitation in parenting influencer culture as well as the viciousness of online mobs. While An Update on Our Family raises thought-provoking questions, it falls short of deeply examining systemic issues surrounding special needs adoption, gendered double standards in internet backlash, or broader regulations for child influencers. The series is engaging but ultimately depressing, as it highlights problems without offering much insight into meaningful solutions.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the risks of sharing personal lives online and how social media can distort reality.
Discuss the ethical considerations of parents' featuring their children on social media. When, if ever, is it acceptable?
Talk about how public opinion can shift quickly from admiration to hostility online, as well as the real-world impact of cyberbullying.
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 15, 2025
- Network : Max
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : February 14, 2025
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