How To Help Young People Who Want to Be Digital Creators

oday's teenagers who use the Internet have access to various tools that enable them to create, mix and share content. They can easily replicate, modify, and distribute content authored, customized, and made available on demand.

The Internet and digital publishing technologies have democratized content creation and sharing, making it accessible to anyone with an Internet connection.

It's becoming increasingly common for young children to express their creativity and desire to share their work or ideas online by creating their channels.

It's fascinating to see that over half of online teens create content for the Internet, according to Pew Research. That's around 12 million young people!

These "Content Creators" engage in various activities, such as creating blogs and web pages and sharing original content they've made themselves.

According to research, one-third (33%) of online teens report sharing their artwork, photos, stories, or videos via the Internet. There is some demographic variation in the population of teens who make and share their own media creations.

Artistic Content Creators are slightly more likely to report living in urban areas; 40% of urban teens who use the Internet say they create their content, compared with 28% of suburban teens and 34% of rural teens.

Providing children with guidance can help them turn their interests into a potential business venture, especially if they show an inclination towards it. This could be a great way to support and encourage their creative pursuits.

Learning from Success Stories

• Business Ventures: If your child dreams of starting a business, delve into success stories. Research entrepreneurs who began small and grew their ventures. Discuss strategies, challenges, and lessons learned. Please encourage your child to identify their unique value proposition.

One in five online teens (19%), or roughly 4 million young Americans, have created a blog. 

• YouTube Sensations: For aspiring YouTubers, explore popular channels. Analyze content, engagement, and niche. What makes specific channels stand out? Together, you can dissect video formats, storytelling techniques, and audience interaction.

Navigating Social Media Platforms

• Platform Exploration: Introduce your child to Instagram, LinkedIn, and more platforms. Each serves a different purpose. Discuss the pros and cons. Let them experiment and find their comfort zone. This will help kids learn about other channels and how these platforms can be used to sell their products. 

Blogging teens are more likely to have helped an adult do something online than non-blogging teens despite living in households with generally more tech-savvy parents.

• Building a Brand: Teach them about personal branding. How can they authentically represent themselves online? From profile pictures to captions, every detail matters. Encourage consistency across platforms. Many kids get passionate about their ideas and might want to scale li, like Lily Lou, who started her candle business. 

Finding Their Niche

• Passion Mapping: Sit down with your child and create a passion map. What topics ignite their curiosity? What issues do they care about? Whether it's fashion, gaming, or environmental activism, help them discover their niche.
• Content Ideation: Brainstorm content ideas together. What stories can they tell? What problems can they solve? Encourage creativity. Remember, authenticity resonates with audiences.

Creating Engaging Content

• Quality Over Quantity: Emphasize quality content. Having fewer well-crafted posts is better than a flood of mediocre ones. Teach them about lighting, composition, and editing.
• Consistency: Regularity matters. Help them create a content calendar. Whether it's weekly vlogs or daily tips, consistency builds an audience.

Safety and Privacy

• Digital Literacy: Educate your child about online safety. Discuss privacy settings, cyberbullying, and responsible sharing. Empower them to make informed choices.
• Monitoring: Keep an eye on their online presence without being intrusive. Be their guide, not a watchdog.

Collaborations and Networking

• Collaborate: Encourage collaborations with other creators. Joint projects expand reach and foster creativity.
• Networking Events: Attend relevant events—virtual or in-person. Connect with professionals, attend workshops, and learn from industry experts.

Learning from experts 

If you're considering starting a business, some highly experienced and knowledgeable individuals can provide you with valuable insights and guidance.

A few such experts include Dan Koe, who has extensive experience in entrepreneurship and business strategy; Ali Abdaal, a successful entrepreneur and content creator who shares his journey and advice for starting a business on his YouTube channel.

Naval Ravikant, an investor and entrepreneur who has shared his wisdom and insights on various platforms including his popular podcast, The Naval Podcast. By learning from these experts, you can gain valuable knowledge and inspiration to help you navigate the challenges of starting and growing a successful business.

Remember, as parents, we're not just spectators; we're co-pilots on their creative journey. Let's navigate the digital landscape together, celebrating their wins and guiding them through challenges.