A life of fame isn’t easy. Sure, you’ll be rich and famous, but even adult celebrities talk about how stardom has permanently changed their life, but what can be said for the many child stars seen in music, TV and movies? Not only do children have little say in deciding whether they want to step into the spotlight, but will they even understand the insurmountable pressure that will come with an adult career? Subjecting children to this morally wrong, and a risk to their entire lives. Once someone has made enough of an impact on a crowd, they’re chained to the industry and to their pasts.
Many celebrities are put under contract by large entertainment companies like Disney, Netflix and Nickelodeon. Most of these contracts last for years, and with every decision being made by a parent or guardian, children have no input in what they choose to do. They are taken away from all semblance of a normal life. Having friends and going to a normal school is difficult if not impossible, and their lives can be controlled by agents, or overbearing guardians.
A good example of this is Jennette McCurdy, a former Nickelodeon star who was known for her roles in shows like “ICarly” and “Sam and Cat.” She was trapped not only in a suffocating life of childhood fame, but an abusive relationship with her mother that she couldn’t escape from. She was also abused by her producer, Dan Schneider, who has multiple allegations of misconduct in the workplace. Jennette had dreams of being a writer, but as a child was shut down and forced into acting. She recently released a book titled “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” which told a heartbreaking story of an innocent child who was hurt not only by those closest to her, but by the industry as well.
At a young age, it’s hard to understand everything, especially in the acting and music industry, and it’s even worse when someone is isolated from society. We’ve all seen the photos and videos of adult celebrities having public meltdowns, showing their distress in being constantly watched and followed by reporters and paparazzi. In an interview with Vogue, Singer-songwriter Selena Gomez told of a violating experience she had with press when she was only 15.
“I remember going to the beach with some family members who were visiting, and we saw, far away, grown men with cameras taking pictures of a 15-year-old in her swimsuit. That is a violating feeling,” Gomez said. Being followed constantly, having your life documented for entertainment is extremely damaging for children and young adults alike.
Facing the large amount of negativity regularly thrown at actors is incredibly difficult, and many children don’t know how to deal with or understand that negativity. Singer Justin Bieber’s career began very early in his life, and he faced incredible amounts of hate. Even as a child the legacy he created in his youth follows him to this day. In his song, “Lonely” his lyrics reflect upon the struggles he faced as a child in the music field. The lyrics say, “Everybody knows my past now, like my house was always made of glass / And maybe that’s the price you pay / For the money and fame at an early age.”
It’s not fair to put this kind of stress upon children, they deserve to choose what they want to do with their lives. These cautionary tales told by celebrities who became famous at a young age should be listened to and taken seriously, children should be nowhere near such a suffocating, dangerous environment.