What is OnlyFans? What parents need to know

OnlyFans has seen more sign-ups since March 2020, and you might have heard of it. But there’s a worrying side: more underage teens are using the platform to sell explicit content for money.

What is OnlyFans?

OnlyFans is an online platform and app launched in 2016 where users can subscribe monthly to access content like photos, videos, and live streams. 

It’s used by YouTubers, fitness trainers, models, content creators, and public figures to earn money from their work. It’s also widely known for adult content creators.

Age Verification on OnlyFans

OnlyFans is restricted to users 18 and older, but age verification processes can differ based on the state or region you're in when signing up.

Concerns about OnlyFans

OnlyFans, a British-based platform, gained popularity during the coronavirus pandemic among unemployed people and those working from home, as well as sex workers. The BBC documentary "Nudes4Sale" revealed that up to a third of Twitter users advertising explicit images were under 18, with many underage creators using social media to sell nudes for money or gifts. 

X (formerly Twitter) stated it has “zero tolerance” for content promoting child sexual exploitation and requested details about accounts featured in the documentary. Snapchat, in a BBC article, said it prohibits accounts promoting pornographic content and works to remove them, though it doesn’t scan private accounts. 

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OnlyFans operates as a subscription service, requiring payment to access creators’ content. Underage users with access to a credit card or payment method could subscribe without parental knowledge.

What does UK law say?

In the UK, it’s illegal for anyone under 18 to sell or distribute explicit content. However, online platforms aren’t legally required to monitor for explicit content from underage users, meaning the creator and buyer could face criminal charges if caught. 

The new Online Safety Act introduces fines of up to £18 million or 10% of a company’s global turnover for failing to protect children on their platforms.

Why would teens want an OnlyFans account?

Teens might join OnlyFans thinking it’s an easy way to earn money, with some creators reportedly making up to £30,000 a month. However, this high income is rare and only applies to a small percentage of users. 

While OnlyFans is often associated with adult content, other types of content—like fitness or creative work—don’t require nudity or sexual acts to generate income, which may attract teens seeking opportunities.

Is OnlyFans Safe for Kids?

OnlyFans poses serious risks for children and teens due to the presence of pornography, Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), and potential links to human trafficking. These dangers make it an unsafe platform for young users.

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What Parents Can Do

You're absolutely right—this is a heavy topic, and it can feel overwhelming as a parent to learn about the risks kids face today. But staying informed, even if it’s uncomfortable, equips you to guide and protect your children.

Talking to them regularly, even when they seem uninterested, builds trust and opens the door for them to come to you when they need help navigating these dangers. Keep those conversations going!

Teaching Kids Media Literacy Step-By-Step

You can help protect your kids from digital dangers by using tools like kid-safe phones, internet filters, and parental controls on devices, from computers to video games. These tools shield children from harmful content while allowing safe use of technology. By reading this, you’re already taking a powerful step through awareness—you’re not alone in this. 

These discussions can be tough, so be gentle with yourself and your kids. Consider starting a conversation about OnlyFans today to gauge their understanding and share your concerns.