Netflix, the on-demand video streaming platform with the largest number of active subscribers globally, announces that it is adding an original production to its portfolio that promises to shake up the kidfluencing universe. The documentary “Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing”, directed by Jenna Rosher and Kief Davidson and produced by Decoy Productions, will be released on April 9, 2025 and is set to be one of the most talked-about productions of this year.
Netflix brings to your attention Piper Rockelle, a digital icon who has become famous since childhood, managing to gather millions of followers on various social media platforms. Since the age of 8, Piper has been actively supported by her mother, Tiffany Smith, who carefully coordinated the creation of the content that would propel her to the top of online stars.
Along with a group of young people called "The Squad", Rockelle built a digital empire based on viral videos, elaborate pranks, and creative collaborations, managing to generate both impressive views and considerable income.
But behind this playful and idyllic image lie disturbing stories. The documentary series “Bad Influence” brings to the fore the testimonies of former team members, who claim that Tiffany Smith’s organizational methodology and manipulation strategies were, in reality, a form of exploitation of minors.
Netflix: Extremely CONTROVERSIAL Production on One of the World's Major Problems
Netflix also emphasizes that some voices among the parents of the children involved have signaled an environment in which tensions and conflicts were the order of the day, and accusations of emotional and physical abuse have even led to court actions, starting in 2022.
The investigative documentary explores this dark side of kidfluencing in detail. In addition to showcasing Piper Rockelle’s meteoric success, “Bad Influence” also reveals the personal and professional cost that some of the members of “The Squad” paid. Strained relationships, behind-the-scenes conflicts, and serious allegations of inappropriate behavior are just some of the themes addressed in this production.
Netflix continues to establish itself as a leader in digital content, choosing to offer audiences productions that not only entertain, but also provoke reflection. “Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing” thus comes to the aid of those interested in the true nature of online phenomena, inviting viewers to look beyond the apparent brilliance of digital success.
Through this docuseries, the streaming platform opens a window to a world where apparent pranks and recorded jokes can hide much more complex and sometimes painful realities.
This production is aimed not only at young people who avidly consume digital content, but also at parents and specialists interested in the long-term impact of children's exposure to the online environment. In the context of an ever-evolving industry, the investigation presented by Netflix brings to light issues that require careful analysis of ethics and responsibility in managing digital states.
Set to premiere on April 9, 2025, “Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing” promises to be a defining moment in the debate about the future of influencers and how the online world can shape children’s lives. Netflix viewers will have the opportunity to uncover hidden truths, question the line between entertainment and exploitation, and perhaps reevaluate how digital consumption shapes modern perceptions.
Stay tuned for more details about this controversial docuseries and other news from the world of Netflix, where originality and deep investigation continue to redefine standards in digital entertainment.