Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing is a three-part investigative docuseries that delves into the disturbing realities of the social media world surrounding teen influencer Piper Rockelle and her mother, Tiffany Smith.
Directed by Jenna Rosher and Kief Davidson, the series uncovers the dark side of kidfluencing, highlighting allegations of exploitation, manipulation, and abuse within The Squad, a collective of young content creators managed by Piper’s mother.
The series features firsthand accounts from former Squad members and their families, who claim that behind the fun-loving, high-energy videos was a toxic and exploitative environment.
Bad Influence aims to shed light on the dangers of social media fame, the pressures placed on child influencers, and the legal and ethical concerns surrounding their management.
The docuseries will premiere on Netflix on April 9, 2025, and is rated TV-MA for its mature themes, disturbing content, and emotional intensity.
Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing Age Rating
Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing is rated TV-MA for mature themes, discussions of abuse, and emotional distress. The documentary includes testimonies and allegations of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, making it unsuitable for younger audiences.
Violence & Peril
While there is no physical violence shown, the series features detailed accounts of emotional and psychological abuse. Former Squad members describe instances of manipulation, retaliation, and controlling behavior by Tiffany Smith. The legal case involving multiple allegations of exploitation and harassment is explored in depth, and some descriptions may be disturbing for sensitive viewers.
Language
The series contains strong language in testimonies and discussions, particularly when former Squad members recount their experiences. Some explicit terms related to abuse, manipulation, and trauma are used throughout the series.
Sexual Content
The docuseries discusses allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor’s parent, though there are no explicit visuals or reenactments. These claims are part of an ongoing legal case and may be distressing for some viewers.
Mature Themes
The documentary covers exploitation, parental manipulation, child labor laws, and the pressures of social media fame. It provides an in-depth look at how child influencers are monetized and the lack of legal protections for them. The discussions of trauma, mental health struggles, and toxic environments make it an emotionally intense viewing experience.
Is Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10-12: Not suitable
The documentary’s discussions of manipulation, abuse, and exploitation are too mature for younger viewers. The allegations presented may be disturbing and difficult to process at this age.
Ages 13-17: Not recommended for younger teens; suitable for older teens with guidance
The series provides an important exposé on the dangers of child influencers, but the graphic allegations of abuse and emotional distress may be overwhelming for younger teens. Parents should consider watching alongside their teens and be prepared for difficult discussions about online safety, exploitation in social media, and parental control in influencer culture.
With its disturbing subject matter and mature themes, Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing is best suited for adults and older teens (16+) who can critically engage with its content.
What Parents Can Do
Parents should be aware of the serious allegations presented in the documentary and be prepared for conversations about online safety, exploitation, and mental health. If your teen follows Piper Rockelle or other child influencers, consider discussing the ethics of kidfluencing and the potential dangers of social media fame.
Watching Bad Influence together may provide an opportunity to talk about red flags in online communities and the importance of setting boundaries with authority figures in professional and social settings.
Official Trailer
FAQs-
Q: What is the age rating for Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing?
A: The documentary is rated TV-MA for mature themes, disturbing content, and emotional distress.
Q: Does the series contain violence or abuse?
A: There is no physical violence shown, but it includes graphic descriptions of emotional and psychological abuse, as well as allegations of exploitation and harassment.
Q: Is there any sexual content in Bad Influence?
A: The documentary discusses allegations of sexual misconduct, but no explicit content or reenactments are shown.
Q: Is Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing appropriate for teenagers?
A: It is not recommended for younger teens, as the content may be too disturbing. Older teens (16+) may find it educational, but parental guidance is strongly advised.
Q: Where can I watch Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing?
A: The docuseries premieres on Netflix on April 9, 2025.