Additional Coverage:
- My teen was making up to $30,000 a month from YouTube. I was so ignorant about the kid-influencer world. (businessinsider.com)
Parents of Teen Influencer Speak Out After Netflix Documentary Airs
Ashley and Patience Smith, parents of former teen influencer Claire Smith, are speaking out after the release of a Netflix documentary, “Bad Influence,” which chronicles their daughter’s experiences in the world of social media stardom. The documentary has sparked controversy, depicting a chaotic environment and questionable decisions surrounding Claire’s involvement with a popular YouTube channel.
“If I knew what I was getting into, I would never have let it happen,” Ashley admits, reflecting on the family’s journey. Claire’s involvement began with weekly trips from their Las Vegas home to Los Angeles, where she filmed videos under the direction of another influencer. The demanding schedule, with three days of filming and four days at home, allowed for a semblance of normalcy, but underlying concerns began to surface.
Claire eventually launched her own channel, earning a substantial income, reaching nearly $30,000 in her most successful month. Ashley, with a background in finance, encouraged Claire to prioritize saving and investing, contrasting the lavish spending habits he witnessed among other young influencers.
“I wanted her to save for needs, like a car and college, not just on wants,” he explains. He also emphasized the unusual nature of her income and lifestyle for a teenager.
Patience, however, was the first to recognize the detrimental effects of the influencer environment on their family. Feeling responsible for introducing Claire to this world, she eventually stopped accompanying Claire to Los Angeles.
Ashley took over, but soon realized he wanted his daughter out. After witnessing Claire being insulted by the influencer directing the videos, they made the decision to leave.
While Claire still maintains a casual presence on social media, the pressure is gone. The Smiths have chosen to share their story to inform other parents about the potential pitfalls of the industry.
Ashley is developing educational courses for parents, covering topics he wishes he had known beforehand. Beyond the influencer world, the Smiths hope their experience sheds light on broader issues like recognizing abuse, gaslighting, and the impact of family dysfunction.
They believe their story highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these issues before they escalate.