Mom Accuses Music Teachers of Exploiting Her Six-Year-Old’s Talent for TikTok Views
“They put his face out there without my permission!”
Ah, the joys of summer! The sun shines brighter, the days get longer, and for Xander, a six-year-old rockstar in the making, the world is a stage just waiting to be rocked—or is it?
Meet our narrator’s (Original Poster’s) son, Xander—a young maestro with a passion for guitars, vocals, and all things musical.
With summer around the corner, his days were filled with strumming strings and belting out tunes, thanks to private and group lessons that have turned him into a mini rock sensation. But hold on to your guitar picks because things are about to get a bit, well, chaotic.
You see, Xander's journey to musical stardom hit a sour note when his music teachers decided to turn him into a TikTok sensation without OP’s consent. Imagine casually strolling through TikTok only to be blindsided by your six-year-old jamming to tunes from Lil Peep and Eminem.
As if the song choices weren’t questionable enough, they had Xander showcasing some alarmingly inappropriate moves alongside a young teacher.
OP wasted no time marching up to his teachers with her concerns. They apologized swiftly and promised to take the videos down—but ended up taking down only the most recent one.
OP was seriously considering pulling the plug on the whole thing, but Xander absolutely adored his teachers and lessons. He cried all day whenever he had to miss lessons.
Now, enter Cousin Katrina, the voice of reason or devil's advocate—depends on who you ask. She argued that OP was overreacting and that the TikTok incident was more youthful exuberance than exploitation.
At this point, OP was at a crossroads. How does she navigate this dilemma?
The Story in Detail
Reddit.comA Bit of Background
Reddit.comThe Ethics of Child Exposure
Exposing children to public scrutiny can raise ethical concerns. Research indicates that children's rights to privacy and protection are often overlooked in the pursuit of social media visibility.
Dr. Amy Gardner, a child rights advocate, emphasizes that exploiting children's talents for views can lead to potential psychological harm, as children may struggle with identity and self-worth.
While OP’s Son Absolutely Adores His Music Teachers and Has Improved Under Them, OP Feels That They Are Exploiting Him.
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“NTB. It Is NEVER Okay to Post Pictures or Videos of a Minor Without the Parents’ Permission.”
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We gathered some reactions from the Reddit community:
“Good Lord... Please No! TikTok Is a Black Hole When It Comes to Exploitation.”
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“Have a Lawyer Write a Formal Letter for You to Them and Give a Copy to Each Saying You Will Sue Them If They Don’t Take Down the Videos.”
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Studies in the Journal of Child Psychology show that children who are frequently showcased online can experience anxiety and pressure to perform, which may impact their emotional development.
This reflects a growing concern about the impacts of 'sharenting,' where parents share their children's lives online without considering the long-term effects.
“NTA. Consent Is Crucial No Matter the Age or Circumstances.”
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“I Never Had Kids, and I Don't Think You're Overreacting at All. You Want What's Best for Your Kid, and You Want to Keep Him Safe.”
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Understanding Child Autonomy
Children need a sense of autonomy to develop healthy self-esteem. Research highlights that when children feel their choices are disregarded, it can lead to feelings of helplessness and diminished self-worth.
Allowing children to have a say in how their talents are showcased can foster a sense of agency, promoting a positive self-concept.
“NTB… Contact TikTok or Whatever Social Media to Have Them Removed.”
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“You Talked to Them and They Removed One Video. Now You Talk to the Head of the School.”
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Redditors wholeheartedly agreed that posting videos of a minor without parental consent is unacceptable. They also pointed out how refusing to take down all the videos proved they were unreliable.
OP was advised to transfer Xander to a new music school and make it clear to the new teachers that social media is off-limits for him. Xander’s teachers should know better, and their actions are an epic fail on the privacy front.
Do you agree with this verdict? We’d love to get your thoughts in the comments.
“These Teachers Shouldn't Be Showing Any Child on SM at All Without Explicit Parental Consent.”
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Psychological Analysis
This situation raises important ethical questions about children's exposure to public platforms. From a psychological perspective, prioritizing children's autonomy and emotional well-being is crucial in decisions about their visibility online.
Addressing these concerns through open dialogue can help parents make informed choices that respect their children's needs.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Understanding the ethical implications of exposing children to public scrutiny is essential for responsible parenting.
As emphasized by Dr. Madeline Levine, child psychologist, "Prioritizing a child's autonomy and privacy is crucial for their emotional well-being." She highlights that protecting children's emotional health can be achieved through mindful parenting practices.
Ultimately, fostering open communication can help parents navigate these challenges while respecting their children's needs.
To address these issues, parents should engage in open discussions with their children about their comfort levels regarding public exposure.
Research suggests that involving children in decisions about their representation can significantly enhance their sense of control and emotional well-being.
Encouraging children to express their feelings about being showcased can provide valuable insights into their needs and preferences.
