Yes, but the hazard was not the young flyer. The instructor who flew with her had complete control at all times, but was well known as one who took unreasonable risks. They died, shortly after take-off, in a situation with multiple risk factors. This was entirely the fault of the instructor / safety pilot.
Just because a kid is sitting in the left seat doesn't mean much of anything. Legal responsibility lies with the certificated safety pilot...who is pilot in command. You cannot log solo time or pilot in command time until you are 16.
Then in that case, the little girl was simply along for the ride.