Owen Cooper, Child Stardom, and the Price of the Spotlight: Safeguarding Children in the Entertainment Industry

In just three weeks since its March 13, 2025 premiere, Netflix’s limited series Adolescence has reached 96.7 million views, making it the ninth most-watched series on the platform to date. Lauded by The Guardian as “the closest thing to TV perfection in decades” and by Forbes as “an all-time technical masterpiece,” the show has catapulted 15-year-old newcomer Owen Cooper, who plays Jamie Miller into global fame.

But now, back at school, Owen says he’s unsure how to handle the newfound attention. This was his first-ever acting role. The world sees a rising star, but what we must ask is: What systems are in place to protect him? How do we preserve his childhood and shield him from the darker corners of the industry that so many former child actors have spoken out about?

As the allure of fame intensifies, so too does the importance of safeguarding the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of these young talents. The path of the child star is often paved with adoration and applause, but it can quickly descend into exploitation, identity loss, and emotional turmoil.

Macaulay Culkin’s recent Instagram plea to Investigation Discovery captures this best:

“Please take it easy on the kiddos. We’ve all been through the wringer. No one wants to feel exploited.”

Documentaries like Hollywood Demons: Child Stars Gone Violent may seek to inform, but at what cost? We must stop retraumatizing these individuals for ratings and start creating frameworks of genuine protection and support.

The Price of Fame: Psychological and Emotional Toll

The journey to stardom can be especially taxing for young actors. Psychologist Dr. Ryan, who has worked with various child stars, emphasizes the heavy psychological toll that public exposure can have on children. The constant demands for content creation, coupled with media scrutiny, create an environment where these children are expected to perform not only on screen but also in every aspect of their lives. This leads to an overwhelming sense of pressure, which, without proper mental health support, can manifest as anxiety, depression, or even burnout.

Moreover, the loss of privacy is a significant concern. Growing up in the public eye means that every aspect of a child star’s life is exposed to scrutiny. Their actions are endlessly judged, their appearances dissected, and their behavior often subjected to harsh criticism. The lack of a personal space where they can grow and develop into their own person without constant public interference can lead to feelings of isolation and confusion about their true identity.

Financial Exploitation and the Risk of Losing Control

While the entertainment industry offers children immense opportunities, it also presents significant risks, particularly regarding financial management. For many child stars, the wealth they accrue is often mismanaged or even exploited by the adults responsible for their careers. Cases of child stars being denied access to their earnings until they reach adulthood are unfortunately common. A well-known example is the case of the late actor Cameron Boyce, whose earnings and financial affairs were in limbo for much of his life. When child stars face exploitation or mismanagement of their wealth, the repercussions can last long into adulthood, leading to financial instability or even legal battles.

The ethical concerns regarding child actors’ finances extend to parental control. As seen in the troubling case of family vlogs, where children are used as props for views and income, many parents or guardians of child stars may be tempted to put their child’s career before their well-being. This form of exploitation has been seen on platforms like YouTube, where family vloggers have been accused of using their children for personal gain. This raises important questions about the responsibilities of adults in the lives of child actors and the line between nurturing a career and exploiting a child’s vulnerability.

The Dark Side of Hollywood: Exploitation, Sexualization, and Abuse

In the world of child stardom, the dangers of sexual exploitation and harassment are real and disturbing. The sexualization of young actors has been a longstanding issue in Hollywood, and despite growing awareness, it continues to be a problem. Former child stars such as Mara Wilson and Wil Wheaton have spoken out about the challenges of growing up in an industry that often pushes young talent into adult situations.

The over-sexualization of children in the media is not just a topic for the stars themselves to address; it is a societal issue that demands action. The comments made online about young actors, such as the infamous Instagram story inviting Finn Wolfhard to “hit her up in 4 years” are not isolated incidents. This normalization of predatory behavior is alarming, and it is crucial that protective measures are implemented to shield children from exploitation both on and off-screen.

Legal Safeguards and the Role of Industry Professionals

In the wake of these challenges, child actors need robust legal and emotional support systems. While laws are in place in some regions to protect the rights of young performers, many argue that these safeguards need to be stronger and more universally enforced. For instance, California’s Coogan Law ensures that a percentage of a child actor’s earnings are set aside in a trust fund until they reach adulthood. However, not all jurisdictions have such laws in place, and enforcement is inconsistent.

Furthermore, the mental health of child stars should be prioritized. Regular counseling, mental health check-ups, and a supportive team, ranging from agents to parents are essential for young performers navigating the pressures of fame. The role of the entertainment industry in providing these resources cannot be overstated, as it plays a critical role in shielding young talent from the pitfalls of fame.

The need for reform in the entertainment industry is urgent. It is not enough for the public and media to consume the products created by child stars; there must also be an active effort to protect their well-being. Parents, guardians, and industry professionals must work together to ensure that young actors can enjoy their childhoods without the burden of fame overshadowing their development. Mental health resources, legal safeguards, and financial protections must become a standard part of the child actor’s journey.

Moreover, as consumers of media, we must hold the industry accountable by supporting ethical practices, protecting vulnerable young performers, and pushing for more robust regulations. We have the power to demand that future generations of child stars can grow, learn, and transition into adulthood without the scars left by exploitation, pressure, or abuse.

The Safeguarding Imperatives to Consider:

Child actors are, first and foremost, children, not miniature adults, not commodities. Their rights, dignity, and well-being must be protected with intentional policies and proactive structures.

1. Implement Safeguarding Policies on Every Set

Studios and production houses must have child safeguarding policies modeled after international best practices. These policies should include:

• Code of Conduct for adults working with children

• Zero-tolerance policies for abuse, bullying, and exploitation

• Safe reporting channels for children and guardians

2. Mandatory Child Safeguarding and Protection Training for Crew and Directors

Everyone working with child actors, directors, producers, makeup artists and other members of the crew must undergo training in recognizing signs of distress, responding to disclosures, and maintaining appropriate boundaries.

3. Psychosocial Support and Counseling Services

Child actors should have access to licensed psychologists or counselors both during and after production to help them navigate fame, identity, and emotional labor.

4. Age-Appropriate Roles and Consent

Children must not be cast in roles that are emotionally or sexually inappropriate. Age manipulation must be approached with care and ethical consideration. Real consent matters, even when a child “agrees,” adult guidance and safeguarding must override market demand.

5. Parental Guidance vs. Parental Pressure

Parents must act as advocates, not managers. Oversight must ensure that parents are not profiting at the expense of their child’s well-being.

6. Education Must Never Be Compromised

Production schedules must be designed around school hours, and professional tutors must be made available. A child actor’s future is not guaranteed by fame alone.

7. Financial Safeguarding: Trust Accounts (Coogan Laws) 

Just like the Coogan Law in California (established after Jackie Coogan was left penniless), child actors should have a fixed percentage of earnings placed in trust, accessible only upon adulthood.

Conclusion

While the allure of fame may seem like an exciting opportunity for young actors, the reality is often much darker. By prioritizing safeguards and ensuring a supportive environment for child stars, we can begin to shift the narrative and provide a healthier path for future generations of young talent. Fame should never come at the cost of a child’s happiness, mental health, or future potential. The industry, and society at large, must do better to protect children in the entertainment world.