Social media experts have issued a warning to parents against oversharing about their children on social media platforms after one toddler's TikTok channel has received hundreds of dirty, vulgar comments from full-grown adults. Wren Eleanor has become a viral name on social media lately, for both good and bad reasons.
The 3-year-old, who shares a TikTok account with her mother, Jacquelyn Paul, has more than 17 million followers who watch their videos on a regular basis. What started as an innocent platform to share adorable videos of a young child, however, quickly turned into a case against sharing kids too often online.
Wren's mother built a massive following on TikTok by sharing everyday videos of her 3-year-old daughter.
The videos, which are relatively innocent and cute and include some sponsored content from different brands, seem to be those of just another social media "child star."
The 25-year-old mom, who is a single parent, shares everything from everyday routines to heartwarming photos about being her daughter's best friend.
Recently, however, Wren's name began to go viral for something rather alarming.
On TikTok, many moms and users began to notice that videos shared of Wren were receiving not only millions of views but thousands of alarming "saves" and inappropriate and vulgar comments.
Many TikTok users are now becoming aware of how dangerous the app can be for young children, with many even sharing the "disturbing" comments that Wren's videos have received.
TikTokers quickly pointed out some videos are 'questionable.'
Many people on TikTok — moms and others — began to suggest that some videos showcase the toddler in inappropriate outfits and clothing. Some show Wren in the bathtub, and even though she's wearing a bathing suit, she received inappropriate comments. In another video, Wren is wearing a super short crop top exposing her stomach, which some followers found problematic.
The TikToker has even shared some comments from people asking if the toddler is "single" and others calling the 3-year-old a "hottie."
Some TikTok users have shared which videos are saved more.
Other TikTok users have pointed out that people are "saving" videos of Wren doing things that can be misconstrued in an explicit manner, such as eating a hot dog, having whipped cream, or being in the bathtub.
These kinds of videos have evidently been saved more often than the videos of Wren doing "normal kid" things.
An entire subReddit channel is also dedicated to exposing the 'abusive' nature of Wren's mother.
Many on Reddit have highlighted that Wren's social media presence could actually be dangerous for her, and they shared comments, videos, and even search results on TikTok that support their concerns.
Reddit users point out that when someone searches for Wren, video searches that are the most popular include "Wren Eleanor hot dog," "Wren Eleanor pickle," and "Wren Eleanor tampon."
Many parents are urging others to remove their kids from social media because of Wren's viral situation.
Some parents online — especially on TikTok — are urging other parents to "take their kids off of social media" and protect them at all costs. Many are also pointing out that Wren's mother, Jacquelyn, knows and is aware of all the "disgusting" comments people are leaving online but chooses to continue to "exploit" her daughter.
Some wonder "how Jacquelyn sleeps at night" knowing she is using her 3-year-old for money.
Now, experts on social media and those who work to protect children are speaking out as well.
Andrew Selepak, a social media professor at the University of Florida, said adults and parents who wish to share their lives on social media should proceed with caution when it comes to their children.
"Posting videos of your underage child to achieve the fame you cannot get yourself is exploitation and it is nonconsensual exploitation," Selepak told Yahoo! News.
Others said parents should remember that 'anyone' can see things posted online.
Calahan Walsh, executive director of the Florida branch of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and son of America’s Most Wanted host John Walsh, told Fox News Digital that parents often forget that anyone can see things posted online.
"Parents have to understand that when you're putting this information out to the public, you're opening up your world to the entire outside world and anybody on these social media platforms — especially if your, if your page is public — Anybody in the entire world can view and consume the content that you're putting out there," Walsh said.
Thus far, Wren's mother has not responded to any of the controversy.
As more and more TikTokers and social media users slam the 25-year-old mom for using her child, she has not officially issued a response to any of the frenzy surrounding the account and her videos.
She has, however, turned off all comments on TikTok videos of her daughter, as well as comments on Instagram.
