6600 – 6656: Rights and Liabilities of Minors and Child Vloggers
California law takes a comprehensive approach to both the civil responsibilities of minors and their protection in emerging online content environments. This is addressed in two distinct but related segments of the Family Code: Part 2 (Sections 6600–6602) and the recently enacted Part 2.5 (Sections 6650–6656). Together, these laws affirm that minors have enforceable rights while also recognizing the need to safeguard those rights in a digital economy where minors’ images and likenesses are monetized.
6600-6602: Rights and Liabilities; Civil Action and Proceedings
• Section 6600 establishes that minors can be held liable in civil court for wrongful acts (torts). However, they are not liable for punitive (exemplary) damages unless it is proven they understood their actions were wrongful at the time.
• Section 6601 allows minors to pursue their legal rights through lawsuits or other civil proceedings, but requires that such actions be conducted through a legal guardian. This protects procedural integrity while preserving the minor’s access to justice.
• Section 6602 voids any attorney’s fee contract involving a minor unless a court specifically approves it. If no approval is obtained, a judge will later set a fair fee if the case is successful. This prevents exploitation of minors by legal professionals and ensures judicial oversight in financial matters.
6650–6656: ONLINE PLATFORMS
The explosion of social media has created new issues for child protection, especially when parents or guardians monetize their child’s image through vlogging. Part 2.5 addresses this directly, defining when a child is considered to be working as a vlogger and outlining requirements for compensation and financial safeguards.
Key Definitions – Section 6650
- Minor: Under 18 years old
- Vlogger: An adult family member or guardian who earns money from content that features a minor
- Content: Includes videos or images on any online platform, such as YouTube or Instagram, shared in exchange for compensation
When a Minor Is Considered a Vlogger – Section 6651
A minor is deemed engaged in vlogging work if:
- They appear in at least 30% of monetized content in a month
- The content earns $1,250+ or generates $0.10 or more per view
Recordkeeping Requirements – Section 6652
Vloggers must keep detailed records, including:
- The child’s age at the time of vlogging
- Number of compensated vlogs
- Total screen time and compensation related to the child
- Amount deposited in a trust account for the child
Mandatory Trust Accounts – Section 6653
- Vloggers must create a trust account for each child once the child qualifies as a vlogger
- At least 65% of the child’s proportional earnings must be deposited into the trust
- Funds are held until the child turns 18 or is emancipated
Enforcement and Penalties – Section 6654
If a vlogger knowingly violates these rules, the minor can sue and may recover:
- Actual damages
- Punitive damages
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
Additional Provisions – Sections 6655–6656
- These rules don’t override other laws or affect minors who produce their own content
- Court-approved contracts under Section 6751 can exempt families if terms are at least as favorable as those provided in this law
Why This Matters
These laws reflect a growing understanding of minors’ dual roles as rights-holders and vulnerable parties. Whether navigating the civil court system or participating in monetized digital media, minors deserve both autonomy and protection. By regulating everything from legal representation to earnings from online content, California’s Family Code ensures children are not exploited or sidelined in matters that affect their futures.