Are Child Entertainers Just Glamorized Child Labour?

Identity vs. Role Confusion, when children discover their “adult” selves or conform to others’ ideas

Numerous child stars tend to be underdeveloped in these stages, depending on when they experienced unwanted situations in their career. Child stars who are forced into show business develop guilt and low self esteem. They may also be pressured to stray away from “discovering their true selves” as many child star’s personalities are defined by the characters they play on screen. 

This condition only pertains to child stars because their targets are kids and it is difficult for kids to internalize that actresses on screen and in real life are different. These stars cannot be themselves or grow up into people that diverge from their on-screen persona. This traps their curiosity and leads to rebellion in their adult lives, encouraging them into a world of alcohol and drug abuse, crimes, and so on.

Closure For the Kids

Without significant change to child entertainment regulations, children are in danger of being more exposed to abusive situations and unhealthy working conditions. In addition to that, younger generations who don’t participate in the entertainment industry are in danger. They look up to their favorite figures in child shows who potentially struggle with drugs, crimes, and their own well-being. Children are also exposed to potentially harmful “family-centered” content.

Excluding children altogether from the entertainment industry is impossible and unfair for children who are interested in participating. Deleting all forms of entertainment for children would not work. Nonetheless, it is important to note that children’s protection laws are far from perfect and monitoring of children's content is also important. After all, the future belongs in the hands of children. 

References

Donna. [Internet Impact]. (2021, September 9). Jennette McCurdy: How Hollywood Controls The Child Actor [Video]. Youtube.

Guzman, J.D., Neyza. (2020). The Children of YouTube: How an Entertainment Industry Goes Around Child Labor Laws. Child and Family Law Journal, 8(1), Article 4.  

Millburn, J.F. & Nicodemus, Ryan. [The Minimalists]. (2020, January 24). Jennette McCurdy Opens up About Her Eating Disorders [Video]. Youtube.