What Parents Can Learn from Netflix’s Bad Influencer
Clinically reviewed by Afshan Mizrahi, Licensed Therapist
Influencer culture is shaping teen identity faster than we can talk about it.
Netflix’s Bad Influencer offers a chilling glimpse into the emotional toll of digital validation—and the hidden cost of going viral. For teens, it’s a stark reality check. For parents and caregivers, it’s a wake-up call: What kind of digital world are our kids really growing up in?
At Backpack Healthcare, we see therapy as more than a response to challenges—it’s a way to help kids, teens, and families feel stronger, more supported, and better prepared to navigate today’s always-connected world.
5 Ways to Support Your Teen in a Viral Culture
1. Normalize the Conversation
Talk about influencers like you’d talk about friendships. Ask, “What do you like about them?” or “How would you respond in that situation?” It’s not about lecturing—it’s about listening.
2. Treat Social Media Like a Playground
You wouldn’t drop your child off in a neighborhood you’ve never seen. Social media is no different. Get curious about where they spend time, who they follow, and what trends they’re absorbing.
3. Follow Them (Without Hovering)
It’s okay to follow your teen online. The goal isn’t surveillance—it’s connection. When you show up in their digital space with curiosity and respect, you model what healthy online presence looks like.
4. Check in on Values, Not Just Content
Go beyond, “What are you watching?” and ask, “How does that make you feel?” Does it encourage self-worth or fuel comparison? Does it feel fun or like pressure?
5. Therapy Can Help Teens Find Their Voice—Offline
When so much of teen life happens online, it can be hard for them to figure out who they really are. Therapy gives teens a chance to unplug from all the noise and just be themselves—without worrying about likes or filters. It helps them feel more sure of who they are, handle what life throws at them, and build the kind of confidence that sticks.
Your teen’s digital world is always on—but their support system should be, too.
That’s why our team at Backpack Healthcare is committed to supporting kids, teens, and families with care that meets them where they are—and helps them move forward feeling more sure of themselves.
Ready to explore how therapy can support your family in the age of influencers? Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.