“My Kid Loves That Influencer”—How to Talk About Problematic Creators Without Starting a War

Why this conversation feels like walking on eggshells

When your kid adores an influencer who makes you uncomfortable, it can feel like you're attacking their friend, not their screen time. Kids build strong emotional bonds with creators, especially those who are funny, relatable, or seem to “get” them. So when you say, “I don't like that channel,” they often hear, “I don't like something important to you.” 😊

Instead of banning the content outright, you can use it as a training ground for critical thinking. The goal is not to make them hate the creator, but to help them watch with their brain switched on, not just their feelings. That way, they learn to enjoy content while spotting red flags, just like checking food labels before eating something new. 🧠

Understand why your kid loves that creator

Before you judge the content, get curious about the appeal. Ask what they like most: the jokes, the confidence, the style, the games, or the sense of belonging in that creator's community. When kids feel heard first, they are much more open to hearing your concerns later. 🙂

Often, kids are drawn to creators who say things they wish they could say, or who seem fearless in ways they are not. Some influencers also normalize struggles like anxiety, school stress, or family conflict, which can make kids feel less alone. Recognizing the emotional need behind their fandom helps you respond with empathy instead of panic. 💬

The 3-question conversation: simple script for tricky content

A practical way to talk about questionable videos is to use the same three questions every time. This turns the chat into a calm routine, not a personal attack on their favorite influencer. You can say, “Hey, let’s try a quick check we always use for any video, just to see it more clearly.” 🔍

Walk through the questions together: “What’s the reward here?”, “Who could get hurt if people copy this?”, and “What would happen if someone did this at your school or in our neighborhood?” As your child answers, gently highlight things like attention, money, humiliation, school rules, and real-world consequences. Repeating this process trains their brain to scan for impact, not just laughs and likes. 🎯

“Funny” vs “acceptable”: separating jokes from real-world impact

Kids often defend a creator by saying, “It’s just a joke” or “They’re just trolling.” Humor is a big part of how young people bond, relax, and cope with stress. The goal is not to ban edgy jokes, but to help them notice when “funny” becomes permission to be cruel. 😅

You can ask, “If someone made this joke about you or your friend, would it still feel funny, or would it sting?” That question shifts them from spectator to participant and helps them feel the difference between laughing at a situation and laughing at someone’s pain. Once kids see this line, they are quicker to say, “Hmm, that part felt off,” even if they still like the creator overall. 👀

The replacement strategy: diversify their feed, not just block it

If one influencer becomes your child’s entire world, every criticism feels like a personal attack. Instead of fighting over a single channel, work on broadening the mix of voices they follow so no one creator becomes “the blueprint.” The more variety in their feed, the less power any one person has to shape how they talk, dress, or treat others. 📱

You can say, “Let’s find a few other creators who are funny or inspiring, but don’t rely on mean pranks or risky stunts,” and then search together. Co-searching puts you on the same team and makes it easier to gently limit how often the problematic creator is watched without turning them into forbidden treasure. This way, your child learns that there are many ways to be cool, creative, and confident online. 🚀

Raising critical thinkers, not perfect viewers

You will never be able to approve every video your child sees, but you can help shape how they think about what they watch. The three-question conversation and “funny vs acceptable” filter give them tools they can carry into any app or platform. Over time, this shifts your role from full-time gatekeeper to trusted guide. 🤝

When conflicts flare up, remind your child that you are not trying to take away their joy, only to protect their dignity and safety. Emphasize that smart viewers can still enjoy content while questioning it, just like enjoying a magic trick while knowing there is a method behind it. This mindset is the real long-term safety feature in a world full of charismatic, imperfect creators. 🌟