Is it appropriate for a 7 year old to have a YouTube channel?

It’s no secret that children are digital natives. They know their way around smartphones and tablets better than we do. And they’re also embracing the world of online video as creators, not just consumers.
Whether it’s kids Vlogging on YouTube or reading so-called “e-books,” youngsters are growing up fast in the digital age.
And that includes our 7-year-old daughter who has recently launched her own personal YouTube channel for kid vloggers called KidVidsTV .
Is this appropriate for a 7 year old? We answer that question below…

What is a Kid Vlogger?

A Kid Vlogger is someone who records and shares videos on the internet. These videos can be in a variety of formats, but the most common type of video produced by Kid Vloggers is the “Vlog” or “Vlogging” video. Vlogs are typically short video blogs that can be posted on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, and more. Many Kid Vloggers use video blogs as a way to connect with their audience and as a platform to discuss certain topics, like beauty and fashion.

Many Kid Vloggers are children who are growing up with social media and are finding ways to utilize video online as a creative outlet. Other Kid Vloggers are teens who have been creating video blogs since they were young and now use their skills to make a living through online video.

Why Launched a YouTube Channel for Kids?

As parents, we are always looking for ways to encourage our daughter to be creative, explore new ideas, and express herself. As part of that, we’ve always encouraged her to be open to new experiences, even (and sometimes especially) those that are a bit out of her comfort zone.

When we heard about the Kids on the Block (KOB) program through our local chapter, the Austin Youth Rock n Roll Society, we both knew instantly that this would be something she would love – and something that would push her to try something new. And she did!

The KOB is a club for children ages 6–12 who love to sing, dance, play instruments, perform, and/or create videos.

After attending weekly meetings, our daughter learned how to use audio recording and video equipment, interviewed other kids her age, and learned how to work with producers, directors, and editors in order to produce her own mini-documentary about kids who love to sing.

Is it Appropriate for a 7-year-old to Have a YouTube Channel?

At the end of the day, each parent will have to decide what’s appropriate for their own child. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. And every child has different interests and personalities, so what may be OK for one 7-year-old may not be for another.

That said, we believe that our daughter is ready for a YouTube channel of her own. She has been interested in Youtube for a few years now. She has watched the top YouTubers for the last couple of years and has shown an interest in making her own videos too.

When she first brought up the idea of having her own channel, we didn’t really know what to think. We knew she was ready to start her own journey in creating content online. But we were a bit unsure of what direction she would go in.

Tips for Parenting Kid Vloggers

•  Stay informed and involved - While you can’t necessarily control what your kids do online, you can be aware of what they’re doing and talk to them about their experiences. Be informed about the apps and websites your kids are using: what they are, how they work, and the rules and regulations that apply to them.
•  Have regular discussions - Once you’re informed, regularly discuss your child’s online experiences with them. This includes both the creative and the business sides of the industry. Ask questions, and let them ask you questions.
•  Let them make mistakes - Let them make mistakes, both big and small. Mistakes are part of the learning process. Kids need to be allowed to make mistakes. If a mistake is serious enough to warrant disciplinary action, such as cyberbullying or sharing inappropriate content, then parents should step in.
•  Be open and transparent - Have regular family communication about the online world. Let your kids know that you’re open to discussing their online experiences, both the good and the bad.

Younger generations are embracing digital media in all its forms and there’s no sign of that slowing down. At the same time, there’s also more pressure than ever to be successful and earn a living off their content creation. As parents, we want to support our kids’ interest in digital media and provide them with the support and guidance they need to succeed.