6 days Ago
What the Proposal Actually Says
Minister Thierry Aartsen of Work & Participation laid out the plan in a letter to parliament. His argument is straightforward — when children are systematically used as a revenue model, whether by brands or by their own parents, that crosses a line. Under the proposed rules, commercial online content production involving children under 16 would fall under existing child labor legislation. That means it wouldn't just be frowned upon; it would carry real legal consequences, including fines.
The Labor Inspectorate has already flagged concerns about kidfluencers, adding institutional weight to Aartsen's push. He was clear that the goal is to target the worst cases first, though the exact boundaries of enforcement are still being worked out.
Protecting Kids Beyond Just the Ban
The proposal goes further than simply making kidfluencing illegal. Aartsen also wants parents to be better informed about the risks that come with putting children in the online spotlight — things like loss of privacy and damage to self-image can follow kids long after a video stops getting clicks. The government is partnering with organizations including Veiligh Thuis to strengthen reporting systems and support networks for children already affected by their online exposure.
All of this sits within the Netherlands' wider Children's Rights Online Strategy, signaling that this isn't a one-off move but part of a longer-term commitment to safeguarding children in digital spaces.
