A recent NexGen article argued that influencer toys are a bad idea for Christian children because of the career they push them towards. Anna Gill is a mum and social media ”influencer” who wants to use her work and example to encourage her children to shine brightly for Jesus – both offline and online.
I’m chopping onions for dinner, the washing machine has just played its tune to tell me it’s ready to hang up, the dog is barking to be let out, and I notice my two little children have set up a tripod and switched on my vlog camera to play with. They love marching about the room, taking videos, and chattering to the screen. I do have a slight worry that something might break, but I tell them to be careful, and at least they’re entertained for five minutes…
In a previous article on this site, Jenny Sanders argued that allowing children to play with influencer toys available on the market “unashamedly pushes [them] towards the world of social media, of finding self-worth through the approval of others and the pressure of curating an image over a reality.” Is it a concern that I am allowing my children to play with this type of kit? Am I “inadvertently putting children at risk”?
Here’s the thing: I’m what people would call an “influencer”. And yes, I cringe at the term as much as the next person, but I have built an online community of over 100,000 people who follow me as I share aspects of our life in Scotland via social media. My children see me taking photos and videos, and we have conversations about what I have been doing in my day-to-day work.
Because of my platform and career, I have had the opportunity to share about Jesus in ways I could never have even imagined ten years ago.
I’m also a Christian. And because of my platform and career, I have had the opportunity to share about Jesus in ways I could never have even imagined ten years ago. What other career allows me to share how God is speaking to me, in a post that reaches over 40,000 people? My platform has given me the opportunity to stand on an exhibition stage and tell the audience that when I look out to the mountains, I am led to consider how amazing it is that the God who created this also created me and loves me.
Matthew 5:16 tells us: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” I love that I have the privilege to be a light online and have the opportunity to reflect Jesus’ character in the way I carry myself.
As a Christian, I do not worry that my children may aspire to have a career in social media. Instead, I believe it is my responsibility to bring them up in an environment where they are protected, confident in themselves, value heavenly treasures, and have a deep understanding of navigating the issues that social media presents.
Preparing our children
According to a recent government report looking at the impacts of social media on children and young people, 97% of 13-17 year olds have at least one active social media profile. The reality of our society is that social media has become an integral part of modern day life.
I do not want to dismiss the many risks that come with social media: infinite scrolling, push notifications and “likes” tap into dopamine reward pathways, potentially leading to anxiety and self-esteem issues. Cyberbullying and the spread of false information can be harmful with long-term impact.
However, if people are using social media, these issues will exist regardless of whether your child aspires to be an “influencer” or not.
The recent NexGen article said that influencer toys are inappropriate for children, partly because influencers can end up shaped by their audience’s expectations, under pressure to produce content daily, constantly putting themselves at the centre, and with their worth measured by approval. These are fair concerns, but they aren’t unique to this career. Most jobs come with daily expectations, demands and the requirement to produce meaningful output. Self-centredness is a human tendency that shows up in any role where people are looking at us, whether that’s the stage, sports field or in the classroom.
The real issue isn’t the career itself, but whether we’ve prepared our children for the responsibility that comes with it.
What changes online is how visible the “influencer” becomes. The online community they build will trust their values and opinions, taking inspiration from them. The real issue isn’t the career itself, but whether we’ve prepared our children for the responsibility that comes with it.
In my opinion, the question isn’t: should my child play with influencer toys? Instead, it looks at the deeper one: who is my child becoming?
Shining like stars
Philippians 2:15-16 says to be “blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”
I will not allow my children to access social media until they are older. They have limited screen time and I prioritise time outdoors and imaginative play with a range of toys. But the likelihood is they will have access to social media one day. They might even want a career in the media like their mother!
When that day comes, I pray that my children may shine like stars as children of God.
