“Behind the Bright Lights: The Hidden Struggles of Child Stars That Could Change Everything You Think About Fame”
Parents And Guardians Run Their Social Media
Social media is a huge part of society. But many child actors aren’t trusted to run their own accounts since “trolling” and cyber-bullying are, unfortunately, still very prominent in the online community. Instead, parents and guardians are typically posting pictures and captions on the young stars’ various social media sites.
Of course, not every star gives over that power to an adult. But a vast majority is asked to hand over the power—just one more thing out of their control.
There’s No Smoking On Set
It’s no secret that young actors fall victim to vices at a young age. One such vice being smoking. But that’s an image a network doesn’t want to promote, especially Disney. They want their young stars to look innocent and youthful.
In order to do that, Disney makes it a rule that each set and studio has a strict no smoking policy. Many of the child actors are even told to hide their bad habits from fans, meaning they’re not allowed to smoke on the streets or anywhere they’ll be recognized.
Acting And A Singing Career Go Hand In Hand
Some people might have noticed that their favorite childhood star wound up with a seemingly out-of-the-blue pop career. This is because a lot of child actors are pushed to have a singing career on top of their acting career, even if that wasn’t in their plans.
There have only been a few Disney stars who made it off the network without being signed to a record label, one of them being Cole Sprouse, who wound up ditching his self-proclaimed “no singing” clause for a musical number in Riverdale.
Yes, There Are Laws, But Working Hours Are Not Limited
There might be child labor laws, but Hollywood tends to look at them as guidelines than actual rules. Many child actors go over the typical eight-hour workday and are expected to continue to work as though it’s hour one, just like the adults.
As a result, many young actors suffer from depression and other mental illnesses. According to therichest.com, Miley Cyrus even suffered from a Vitamin D deficiency from working in a studio day in and day out.
Keeping Up With School Work Isn’t Negotiable
Many child actors spend their days on set. This is especially true for those starring in huge film franchises such as Harry Potter. A vast majority of the actors on set were kids! And one of the rules they had to follow in order to keep their jobs was to keep up with their school work.
Between takes, the young actors would work on school assignments. Oliver Phelps, aka George Weasley, said that in scenes when students are working on their wizarding homework in the Great Hall, they’re working on their actual school work!
They’re Not Allowed To Manage Their Own Money
Unfortunately, young actors aren’t allowed to manage their own money. Even though they’re the ones putting in the hours and the work, child actors aren’t seen to be mature enough to keep their vast fortunes in check. Their bank accounts fall to their parents or guardians.
The thing is, sometimes the parents are worse at managing money than the child would have been! Mischa Barton, Ariel Winter, and even Macaulay Culkin had their parents take advantage of their money.
