Common Sense Media Review
By Fernanda Camargo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Shocking docu reveals child abuse behind viral content.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing
What's the Story?
BAD INFLUENCE: THE DARK SIDE OF KIDFLUENCING is an exposé that reveals the alarming child abuse occurring behind the scenes of a group of influencers' YouTube channels. It centers around Piper Rockelle; her group of friends (known as "The Squad"); and her "momager," Tiffany, whose actions take very troubling turns. The series shares emotionally charged retellings of assault, humiliation, and mistreatment between an adult in power and the young influencers in her charge. It's told from the perspective of former Squad members who are now speaking out, hoping to prevent similar situations from happening again.
Is It Any Good?
This uncomfortable, emotional, and often raw look into the world of child influencers is a thought-provoking entry in the fight for change and regulation. Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing exposes the abuse and unfair relationships that can happen between child stars and their parents or managers. It also calls on media platforms to take responsibility and review the policies that allow young kids to be exploited—both on and off camera.
It's by no means an easy watch. Descriptions of abuse become more serious as the series goes on, and much of the push for policy change feels rushed toward the end. Because of the show's disturbing content, including claims of child exploitation and descriptions of sexual abuse, it's best for teens and up. That said, many important conversations will stem from the questions this series raises.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how online content can often present a false narrative. The teens in Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing look happy in their videos, but they talk about difficult, upsetting things that happened behind the scenes. How can you tell what's real online?
Some teens shared that they didn't realize they were being sexually abused at the time the abuse happened. What can you do if you or a friend are going through something similar?
Many kids and teens share very personal moments online without knowing who might see or use them. How can regulation help young people stay safe online?
Whose responsibility is it to make sure kids are safe online, both as content creators and as the viewers of that content?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 9, 2025
- Cast : Sophie Fergi , Corinne Joy , Sawyer Sharbino
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : May 2, 2025
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