It is just saddening and shocking to see that teenage influencers are being treated as teenagers anymore. Given the easy access to the Internet and the availability of smartphones, teenage girls and boys have taken to social media to declare themselves “influencers” but their posts do not hint anywhere that they fall in the age bracket of 13-19 years of age. One of the Instagram influencers who acts older than her age is 12-year-old, Riva Arora.
She recently earned the wrath of Internet users after a music video of her playing the role of Karan Kundrra’s girlfriend went viral. Riva’s mother has issued an apology on her social media handle and from the likes of it, Riva’s handle has been deleted from Instagram as well.
Riva’s mother, Nisha Arora, wrote on Instagram that she apologises for the alcohol set-up that she used for one of Riva’s videos. She further wrote that she understands the responsibility that a role model has in society. Nisha also requested other child actors and their parents to avoid making such videos. Umm, double standards much? Lastly, she also wrote that she has written an apology letter to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and provided all the needed clarification for this issue.
Also, Riva Arora’s Instagram account is not found on the picture-sharing app anymore. As per reports, Riva’s social media posts would have vulgar comments from people who would sexualise the teenager.
The video in which Riva shared screen space with Karan Kundrra has now been deleted from YouTube as well. One of the other music videos that Riva has starred in is titled ‘Disco Wali Raat’ and has crass lyrics that a 12-year-old girl should not be lip-syncing to.
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The young influencers have a massive from other children who fall in the same age bracket. It is their parents who should take responsibility on their behalf and post age-appropriate content online.