The exploitation of child actors calls attention to the troubling ways the entertainment industry can damage and prioritize the financial interest over the well-being of its young performers. The industry often overworks them in unsafe and discouraging environments. This unfair treatment in the film industry ranges on a broad spectrum from acting to YouTube child actors. The film industry issues vary from exploitation, such as sexualizing child actors, to strains on families. These problems will negatively affect the adolescent actors down the road once they start to navigate through their relationships. Above all, the mental health and well-being of child actors are compromised simply for the sake of our entertainment and enjoyment. It is essential to raise awareness within the film industry concerning the treatment of child actors.
The sexualization of child actors has been a recurring discussion throughout the past years because of how it impacts current actors who work in the film industry. A recent Documentary, Quiet on Set, directed by Mary Robertson, was produced to call attention to the past toxic behind the scenes on Nickelodeon children television shows, particularly the ones directed by Dan Schnieder.
A study by Jack Seale, a journalist specializing in television, highlights how these underage actors in those shows were forced to perform acts displaying hypersexualization and pornification. These acts include repeatedly featuring underaged actors in little clothing, objectifying them, and having jets of water or goo being squirted at their faces, exhibiting pornographic implications.
Correspondingly, the women in this environment felt particularly targeted due to the countless sexist pranks, dares, and “jokes,” leaving them feeling out of place and uncomfortable. On numerous occasions, the female staff was forced to give Dan Schinder massages, and if they weren’t compliant, they were then mistreated by producers along with staff members.
In another study conducted by Kelly Lawler, a critic, she discusses the variety of abuse and alleged sexual abuse that took place on these sets. As the actors get older, we continue to see the effects of the acting industry on their behavior and how it leads them into spiraling and addictions to cope with their childhood trauma.
Apart from the sexualization the actors had to go through, many of these actors experienced family strains due to control and pressure. Since they were in their childhood, the actors did not have much control in their lives, which is why their parents were so involved. This seemed to intensify from managing their kids’ relations to controlling and thinking they have the right to decide all of their decisions.
Actor, Jennette McCurdy later wrote a book titled, “I’m Glad My Mom Died” recounting the relief she felt once her mother died due to the extreme amount of stress and trauma she went through. This book highlights the emotional abuse and parental control that led her to not experience a real childhood. Max Gao, an entertainment journalist, interviewed Jennette McCurdy herself, and they discussed the trauma she suffered at the hands of her mother. McCurdy grew up in a low-income household and later became the main breadwinner in the family, which put her under immense pressure. She says that her mother forced her into a line of work that left her feeling unfulfilled and insecure. All these factors later caused her to develop an eating disorder, which spiraled into an alcohol addiction to feel fulfilled.
It could be argued that child acting provides numerous benefits that can contribute to personal and professional development. Many child actors develop valuable skills such as communication and social skills, which will later help them in other aspects of their lives.
Additionally, acting allows them to learn how to fully express themselves creatively and how to become a unique individual. Many young performers will also undergo countless unique experiences, such as traveling and networking within the entertainment industry. The entertainment industry has also made efforts in putting into effect regulations to protect child actors. Despite this, many will argue that exploitation continues and there needs to be stricter enforcement of child acting protection laws to prevent past mistakes.
Ultimately, the exploitation of child actors highlights the alarming ways in which the entertainment industry can harm its young actors, prioritizing profit over their well-being. Issues within the industry include the sexualisation of child actors and problems occurring in families due to excessive parental control. These young performers are often put through excessive workloads and unsafe, demoralizing environments. The mistreatment spans a wide range, affecting not only traditional film actors but also those on platforms like YouTube. It is crucial to bring attention to these issues and advocate for better treatment of child actors within the film industry.
The way child actors are being treated in the entertainment industry is exceedingly disturbing especially with how under the wraps it is. A lot of people don’t realise just how much work these kids go through behind the scenes. When many people think of young actors they think of glitz and glamour when oftentimes it’s the opposite. They are overworked and forced into being sexualised just for the sake of “entertainment”. The whole thing is just simply messed up. The film industry cares much more about producing money rather than the well-being of the kids who are providing the entertainment.
