My ex has started a YouTube channel with my kids

[HarryP12]

So I recently found out that my ex has started a YouTube channel starring my two children. I only found out because the children told me. I’m not sure how much the children want to do it. The cynic in me thinks that this is an attempt at a cash grab from their mum. But I’m happy to be proven wrong on this. My question is do both parents need to consent to their children being put forward on a public platform like that and are there child labour laws to consider? Any information or pointers towards my parental rights in this situation would be greatly appreciated.

No both parents don’t need to and I bet your kids do want to do it my kids have been pestering me for a YouTube acc for about 2 years I keep telling them NO. But he is a parent to so no he doesn’t need your consent

I think that's its only right that you as a parent should be asked if you are happy for your children to be on such a public platform for the whole world to see, but on the other hand do you post pictures and videos of your dc on FB, Instagram etc and always ask your exes permission before posting? although I understand fb etc can't be set to be more private than YouTube. also what is the content of the videos about? toy reviews/days out or a particular hobby they have. Not all kids are fully willing to take part in videos for everyone to see some kids can be quite shy and hate videos out there for everyone to see. (I know a child like this).

I would of thought you would have to give permission. Are you the main career?
I have a YouTube vlog but I even asked my husband if he was happy with me posting our children online. I do feel like you should of been asked definitely.

Have you spoken to him about it?

I'd probably just report the video to YouTube and in the report message say that as a parent you do not give permission for your children to be shared on their site. I'd imagine they'd be able to check the legalities of it and respond to you either way.

No he is the parent too and doesn’t need permission off the resident parent to do things with his own kids 🤦🏻 Only need permission if taking child abroad, changing child’s name etc not stuff like posting pics/ videos of his own child online

If you read the OPs post, it’s the mum that has set up the YouTube vlog. The dad has written the post.

‘This is a cash grab from their mum’

This is the Dad that has posted.
I do feel like he still should of been informed and it should of been discussed.
Are you an good terms with your ex?
Have you spoken to her about it yet?
What are the reasons you don't want her to do it?

I do feel like it should be discussed with both parents and the children's best interests should be at heart.

I would be really uncomfortable with that, hate the idea of kids on SM. I would be seeking legal advice.

I'd absolutely hate this, but sadly at the moment there isn't much you can do bar reporting to YT (they may take it down or they might not). There is a law that has been proposed to better protect children who don't always understand and consider all of the considerations of having videos on the Internet, but not sure what will come of it. I hope the children who have been exploited by a parent sue them in the future though, there was a case in the US recently.

Even if it is the dad (and my mistake for getting that wrong) its still the same advice and the advice doesn’t change whether it is mum or dad, parents don’t need permission for this, good luck with getting legal advice because they will tell you the same thing and it will be a waste of money.

He doesn't need your permission but I'd be a bit unhappy about him not even mentioning it to me at all! I would ask the kids how they felt about it and if they're ok with it then I see no harm. There is no legal advice that can help you with this btw. As long as the children are not in harms way then its OK.