Beyond the Influencer: Finding Real Role Models for Your Kid in a Sea of Content

We are living in a time when our children’s role models are no longer limited to teachers, leaders, scientists, or athletes. Instead, they are influencers, the people who document their lives online, flaunting luxury trips, endless shopping hauls, and brand deals. For many kids, these influencers seem like the “dream life.” But behind the filters, curated content, and paid partnerships, the reality is far from what it looks like.

As parents, this should deeply concern us. Because who our children look up to today shapes who they want to become tomorrow. If all they see is fast fame, easy money, and a lifestyle with no real purpose, they may start losing interest in education, effort, and growth. Many kids are already finding shortcuts, such as using AI tools to complete schoolwork or believing they can skip education altogether because “content creation pays more.” This is where we need to step in. It’s time to help them separate hype from substance and guide them toward real role models who inspire them to live with purpose.

The Digital Trap: Why Influencers Hold So Much Power

Social media has blurred the lines between entertainment and influence. Influencers are not just sharing tips; they are selling a lifestyle. Expensive PR packages, designer clothes, luxury cars, and “quitting a 9-5 job to follow my passion” stories flood our feeds. For a teenager, this seems glamorous.

But what they don’t see is the pressure, debt, mental health struggles, and instability that often come with such careers. Add platforms like OnlyFans into the mix, where creators openly promote their lifestyles to young audiences, and suddenly, kids are being pulled into worlds that normalize quick money over hard work.

The scary part? This is not a small group; it’s mainstream. Millions follow these creators, and your child could be among them.

The Cost of Wrong Role Models

When kids idolize the wrong people, it impacts their mindset in the following ways:

Loss of interest in education: They think formal learning is useless when social media can “make them rich.”
Instant gratification mindset: They want results fast, without putting in effort.
Unhealthy comparison: They compare their normal life with an influencer’s highlight reel, leading to insecurity.
Distorted values: Fame and money appear more important than kindness, discipline, or contribution.

We often dismiss this by saying, “It’s just a phase” or “They’ll grow out of it.” But in today’s digital-first world, this is no longer a phase; it’s their reality.

Guiding Kids Toward Real Role Models

What can we do as parents? The answer is not banning social media altogether, as that usually backfires. Instead, we need to redirect our kids’ attention toward role models who bring genuine inspiration.

Here’s how:

Expose them to stories of real achievers: Kids need to see that success is not just about fame—it’s about contribution and character. Share documentaries, books, or talks about people who made an impact. APJ Abdul Kalam’s life still teaches discipline and the power of dreams. Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, is a great example of intelligence, diplomacy, and calm leadership in a world full of chaos. For younger audiences, the rise of Gukesh Dommaraju, the teenage chess prodigy who became one of the world’s youngest grandmasters, shows how dedication and focus can achieve what most only dream of.
Highlight creators who add value: There are still creators online who use their influence for good. Sharan Hegde (Finance With Sharan) simplifies finance for young Indians in a fun way, teaching money skills that schools often miss. Gaur Gopal Das, a monk turned motivational speaker, shares short, calming wisdom that kids can actually apply in daily life. On the global stage, Mark Rober, an ex-NASA engineer, creates fun, science-based videos that make kids love learning again. These are influencers who show that knowledge, kindness, and creativity can also go viral.
Encourage admiration for evergreen figures: Some figures may not post reels, but their influence is long-lasting. Swami Vivekananda’s teachings about courage and self-belief remain powerful for today’s youth. Ratan Tata is admired for his integrity and humility, reminding us that business can be both successful and ethical. Sudha Murthy continues to inspire with her kindness, storytelling, and focus on education and values. These names give kids real examples of how to live meaningfully.
Show them athletes and changemakers: Sports teach lessons no influencer can. MS Dhoni’s calm leadership, Neeraj Chopra’s dedication to excellence, and Mary Kom’s story of perseverance against odds are role models every child can look up to. Globally, Malala Yousafzai stands out as a young woman who risked everything for education. These figures prove that real strength comes from persistence and courage, not from filters and brand deals.
Discuss openly about online realities: Talk to your child about how influencers earn money, the contracts behind PR packages, and the curated nature of their posts. Helping them see the “business” behind the glamour makes it easier for them to step back.

Who Should They Really Look Up To?

Real role models don’t just show you a lifestyle, they show you a path. They inspire kids to do better, think bigger, and become kinder. A role model could be a local teacher who dedicates her life to students, a doctor who saves lives daily, or even a parent working tirelessly for the family. These people may not trend on Instagram, but they leave behind lessons that last a lifetime.

When your child opens social media, wouldn’t it be better if they saw someone encouraging them to stay curious, learn, and grow, rather than someone convincing them to buy the next luxury product?

Conclusion

This is not just about social media; it’s about the kind of future we want for our children. The wrong influences can lead them down a path of confusion, insecurity, and wasted potential. But the right role models can teach them resilience, hard work, kindness, and purpose.

As parents, our job is not to control every click, but to guide our kids so that even when they scroll, they are influenced in the right way.