If you want to take advantage of your children, you better pay them

⚫ Proposed law states that children should earn money from online content

⚫ The remuneration will be determined based on the child’s participation in the film

⚫ According to the law, money cannot be touched until the minor reaches the age of majority

Children are funny, especially to other children. Parents who create online content know this.

But when this content makes money because it is in high demand, will any of that money go to children?

Under legislation to be approved by the state of New Jersey, those who monetize online content featuring a child would have to compensate them financially.

“Even though children in traditional media are protected by child labor laws… the Internet is still the Wild West,” Assemblywoman Heather Simmons, D-Gloucester, told New Jersey 101.5.

Her bill addresses the growing trend of “childfluencers,” who in many cases appear on camera solely at the behest of their parents, who can earn money based on the number of video views.

In July, Illinois changed its laws to ensure that minors are compensated for appearing on social media. Several states are working on similar legislation; New Jersey’s law is modeled after Illinois law.

“In some ways, we are ahead of the curve in finding ways to protect children themselves and their earnings,” Simmons said.

Billfluencer in New Jersey

Under this measure, anyone under the age of 16 who appears in at least 30% of gainful content within a month will be considered “engaged in work”.

This includes sites like YouTube and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Once a minor reaches this threshold, the vlogger will be required to set aside gross earnings in a trust account, which they will not be able to use until the minor reaches the age of majority.

The proposed compensation rates are based on the presence of a minor in money-making content. For example, if the main character of the entire film is a child, all the money earned from the film will be transferred to a trust account.

“If you’re a person who exploits your children online, you’re not going to like this,” Simmons said.

If more than one child contributes most of the content, the money will be split between them.

Her bill was referred to the Assembly’s Committee on Children, Families and Food Safety. An identical bill is in the Senate, sponsored by Sen. John Burzichelli, D-Gloucester.

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