Risky Business for Child Stars
Encouraging a Talented Child Brings Dangers as well as Rewards
Oct 9, 2008
Motivated by stories of child stars earning millions, or driven by a desire to live out your own dreams of stardom through your children, it's easy to understand why you might be tempted to put your child forward for a modelling or acting career.
Don't let greed or second-hand dreams of your child’s fame cloud your vision. It can be fraught with problems, and you and your family could end up paying a high price for pursuing it. And If you have stars - or dollar signs - in your eyes, you are not going to see the problems coming.
Easy Targets for Fraudsters
There have always been fake agencies around, but thanks to the internet a new breed of hi-tech fraudsters have set up business.
- Websites persuade parents to part with large sums of money in return for promising to promote the child in the modelling business. But once they have your money, all these con-artists do is put your child's photograph up on the internet.
- Look out for the promotions with a premium rate telephone number offering "advice" on child modelling. Innocently, you phone the number, eager for information, and unwittingly run up a huge telephone bill.
The Dangers of Stress
Stress can arise for all sorts of reasons - pressure to succeed, fear of failure, competition, jealousy.
Parents should never push their child into a career in modelling and acting. It must be something the child really wants. However, even if children love what they are doing, pressures can come from elsewhere.
- They can find themselves being bullied at school because other children are jealous of their “fame and fortune”.
- Having a "career" at an earlier age can make school work seem less important. Children can easily be distracted from their classwork and exams.
- One working child in the house can have an effect on the rest of the family. Brothers and sisters can feel left out and resent taking second place.
- Having a child model or actor in the family can attract criticism from other people - friends and family who disapprove, teachers, or even complete strangers. People who have strong opinions about children working will be quick to express them.
Added Responsibilities for Parent and Child
Parents who put their children forward for modelling and acting work will soon discover that there is a lot more involved than simply allowing a photographer to take a few snapshots.
They have to take the business of working in photographic, film and television studios very seriously, and will be expected to conduct themselves in a thoroughly professional manner.
Along with this comes the responsibility of handling the business finances. Money that the child makes has to be accounted for. Records must be kept. If large sums are earned, then tax may be due.
Benefits
But for those parents who still believe that their child should have the chance to shine, and who are prepared to take their responsibilities seriously, the benefits can be enormous.
- Children can gain confidence and maturity.
- They can broaden their horizons by traveling to different places and meeting different people.
- They can earn money - sometimes substantial amounts of it - which can be laid aside for the future, perhaps to pay for their education, or to use as the deposit for a house.
The key to success lies in avoiding the hazards and pitfalls of the business. It is your responsibility as a parent to protect your child. Be alert, be careful, be well-informed, and the experience can be a rewarding one for everyone.
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