New Docuseries Reveals Dark Secrets of Kid Influencer Group The Squad

LOS ANGELES, CA — A new docuseries set to premiere on Netflix on April 9, 2025, aims to uncover troubling allegations surrounding The Squad, a well-known group of child influencers. Directed by Jenna Rosher and Kief Davidson, “Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing” explores claims of manipulation, exploitation, and emotional abuse involving the group’s former manager.

Piper Rockelle, now 17, rose to fame through her popular YouTube channel starting at the age of eight, generating millions of dollars through brand deals and an expansive online following. Much of her early success was facilitated by her mother, Tiffany Smith, who crafted their social media persona and recruited fellow aspiring child stars into the fold.

The Squad, a collective of young influencers, began filming videos together in 2017, creating content that ranged from comedic skits to lifestyle vlogs. Members included Sophie Fergi, Gavin Magnus, Sawyer Sharbino, and several others. Many members even moved in with Piper and her mother to boost production rates, leading to increased visibility and revenue.

However, as time passed, several parents of The Squad members began voicing concerns about Tiffany’s management style. “I noticed changes in my kid’s behavior that worried me deeply,” said one parent, who chose to remain anonymous. “It felt like my child was being pushed too hard into this lifestyle on social media.” This sentiment resonated with other parents, ultimately resulting in distance from Tiffany and her methods.

In January 2022, 11 former Squad members filed a lawsuit against Tiffany Smith, alleging “frequent emotional, physical, and sometimes sexual abuse.” The complaint details numerous incidents that contributors believe showcase Tiffany’s manipulative behaviors. Tiffany has publicly denied these allegations, asserting her dedication to the well-being of the children involved.

The docuseries comes at a time when child influencers face increasing scrutiny over their online lives and the environments created for them. It includes firsthand accounts from The Squad members discussing their experiences and the repercussions of working under Tiffany’s management. “It was like a dream, then a nightmare,” recalled one former member in a promotional clip for the series. “We thought we were just having fun, but the reality was much darker than we imagined.”

The three-part documentary aims to shed light on the serious issues affecting child influencers in the entertainment industry, offering insights from experts in child psychology and social media behavior. As viewers prepare for the release of “Bad Influence,” the intense scrutiny on child influencers grows, prompting broader discussions on the ethics of kidfluencing.