Ariana Grande Calls for Safer Environments on Kid Show Sets Amid Nickelodeon Allegations

Source: https://deadline.com/

Ariana Grande has addressed the allegations made by former Nickelodeon stars in the docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV. Speaking on the podcast Podcrushed, Grande reflected on her time on the sets of Victorious and Sam & Cat, calling for mandatory therapists on kid show sets and expressing her distress over the experiences shared by her colleagues.

Overview of the Story

In the recent docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, former Nickelodeon stars have come forward with troubling allegations about their time working on popular children’s shows. The series has sparked a broader conversation about the safety and mental health of child actors in the entertainment industry. Ariana Grande, a prominent figure who gained fame through her roles on Nickelodeon, has added her voice to this conversation, advocating for significant changes to protect young performers.

Key Highlights

1. Mandatory Therapists: Grande emphasized the need for therapists to be present on sets where children are working. She suggested that contracts should include provisions for regular therapy sessions, ideally twice or thrice a week, to support the mental health of young actors.
2. Parental Involvement: She stressed the importance of allowing parents to have unrestricted access to be present on set. Grande believes that parental presence can provide an additional layer of protection and support for child actors.
3. Reprocessing Past Experiences: Grande shared that the allegations have prompted her to reassess her own time on Nickelodeon sets. She expressed feelings of upset and discomfort upon revisiting some of the scenes she filmed as a teenager, particularly those with suggestive humor and innuendos.
4. Inappropriate Content: Reflecting on the humor used in the shows, Grande questioned its appropriateness, especially given the young age of the actors and audience. She highlighted that some controversial scenes were not approved for the network but were still disseminated through other channels.
5. Viral Clips: Scenes from Sam & Cat featuring Grande in compromising and suggestive positions, such as sucking on her toe, attempting to milk a potato, and pouring water on herself while lying on the edge of a bed, have gone viral since the docuseries premiered.

Lessons to Note

Ariana Grande’s response and the allegations highlighted in the docuseries underscore several important lessons and implications for the entertainment industry:

1. Mental Health Support: The urgent need for mental health resources is evident. Regular therapy sessions can provide essential support for young actors facing the pressures of the industry.
2. Parental Oversight: Ensuring that parents can be present on sets is crucial for providing additional protection and oversight, ensuring the well-being of child actors.
3. Content Evaluation: There needs to be a thorough reevaluation of the content produced for and by young actors. It is essential to ensure that the content is age-appropriate and respects the developmental stage of the actors involved.
4. Industry Accountability: The allegations point to a broader issue of accountability within the entertainment industry. Stricter regulations and oversight are necessary to prevent exploitation and abuse, fostering a safer environment for child performers.

Ariana Grande’s advocacy for these changes marks a significant step towards addressing these serious issues and promoting a healthier, more supportive atmosphere for young talents in the entertainment industry.

Read more about this story here: https://childreninfobank.com/safebank/ariana-grande-says-quiet-on-set-nickelodeon-allegations-are-devastating-the-environment-needs-to-be-made-safer/

Source of Image: Todd Owyoung / NBC / Getty Images / Lisa Rose / Nickelodeon / Courtesy: Everett Collection