"Blurred boundaries" between prominent YouTube stars and their viewers can put young people at risk, a leading children's charity has warned.
Emily Cherry, of the NSPCC, said YouTubers had a "responsibility" to make sure relationships with young fans were appropriate.
Claims of inappropriate behaviour have been made against a small number of internet personalities.
Google-owned YouTube told the BBC that educating fans and creators was key.
Ms Cherry warned that online stars have huge power and influence on young people and the way they think about the real world.
"One child told me that checking their social media accounts and what their favourite YouTube stars are up to was as important to them as eating," she told BBC Radio 5 live.
'Sexual activity'
In 2014, Ania Magliano-Wright published a video in which she alleged a YouTube video-maker known as VeeOneEye - real name Jason - had sex with her when she was 15.
She said she had offered Jason a place to stay after a fan and creator meet-up in London.
"He bought a big bottle of alcohol," she said.
"I wasn't really aware of how much alcohol it would take for me to lose control over myself.
"I didn't want to seem uncool or boring and I wanted to seem normal… it didn't ring as many alarm bells as it should have."
Ania says she did go to the police with her allegations but decided not to press charges.
Jason declined to be interviewed by the BBC but said: "I like the topic for your piece and it is something that does need to be talked about."
He also published an online apology to Ania blaming his strict religious upbringing for his actions.
'Video apology'
In the video, which was uploaded in 2014, Jason says: "I thought it'd be fun to get some drinks because we didn't have much in common and it was awkward.
"At that moment, that was the only way I knew how to socialise - by drinking.
"She never approached me as a fan. To me we were just two YouTubers who wanted to hang out.
"It seems she thought my intentions were to become friends and then have sex. It wasn't.
"Most people make mistakes when they're growing up with sex and alcohol."
"This was me making mistakes and growing up, but at the wrong age.
"I want to say sorry to Ania and anyone else that I've hurt and anybody that's affected by this. I'm sorry."
