Why Child Stars are Set Up To Fail | Dear Hollywood Episode 1

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A therapist once told me that I was always very mature for my age and with out skipping a beat I accidentally said "thanks its the trauma" which lead to a discussion on my feelings on people being told that they're mature for their age. I told her that in my experience when you say something like that you're almost always complimenting the results of someone's trauma, that a majority of kids and teens aren't just mature beyond their years for no reason. She ended up thanking me and telling me that I brought a very good point to her attention

Something that makes this all the worse is realizing the sheer scope of how many of us as kids grew up watching other children act thinking it must've been the greatest job ever. Finally finding out how bad it really is and then feeling sick to our stomachs at the joy we were feeling while those we watched were suffering horrendously.

This was so well structured. While I’m disappointed that the production company switched on you, I’m grateful you continue to use your platform to advocate and inform. Very much looking forward to this series. Thank you for your work.

As someone with a Bachelor's in psychology I love how you brought in Piaget's model to explain the effects of starting acting at various ages. I knew the Olsen twins had started acting as babies, did not know those other people you mentioned had as well. With the Olsen twins I have heard people talk about how their mom had to be kept out of sight from them when they were filming Full House. Especially as babies, this is troubling because we know from attachment theory that the first 18 months of life are the essential time to form a secure bond with a primary caregiver to set oneself up for healthy relationships later in life, as well as help the children feel a sense of safety and security. It makes me wonder how much this process was disrupted for them.

Alyson, thank you. I was scouted by Disney multiple times as a kid, at 4, 6, and 9. My parents said an emphatic NO each time. They didn't know the full realities of what went on in the industries, but they knew it wasn't good. I was mad for a while, because I knew I would have been good at. Now I'm so thankful that they knew better. I would have been good at it because I'm a people pleaser. Can you imagine how that would have gone for me? Every view on these videos is saving kids from this life. This is a truly valuable work you've undertaken.

I am so nervous about the effect social media is having on children’s right to privacy. There are an alarming number of channels out there whose main or sole purpose is showing off their kids, and there are zero protections for these kids. The parents profit off of their children like little content creation machines, and the children’s entire childhood is broadcast to the internet to live forever with or without their consent. There are even instagram accounts that provide special exclusive videos and photoshoots of their children (usually young daughters) in revealing outfits/at the beach, for a price. Who do they think is paying to see photos of young girls in swimsuits? Nice moms? Or do they know there are child predators watching their children but they just don’t care as long as it pays for the lifestyle they want?

I’m a trauma therapist specializing in eating disorders, recovery from childhood sexual abuse, and working with highly gifted/sensitive/neurodivergent kids to burnt out adults…this is so, SO important

You are far better off not having to answer to a production company. We have been waiting for a child star to to tackle this critical topic for decades….you could be filming on your iPhone in the public library and everyone will still tune in. I am surprised and thrilled to see the level of thought and research you have incorporated into your talking points. Excellent work, I will be back for the next one!

Bodily autonomy is such a huge issue. Tiny humans have opinions about who is okay to touch them as much as others. I remember when my niece was a baby, she would get upset when I hugged her. So I asked her if she preferred that I don't do it, she broke out into a huge grin, and I stopped hugging her. Years later we found out she has autism. She doesn't remember it, but I still think it helped our relationship overall. She and I get along relatively easily, but would we if I had insisted on hugging her?

~A comment for interaction~ I remember watching Sonny with a Chance, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, Camp Rock, and basically any other show on Disney Channel as a teen. I had wanted to be like you, I even was dreaming of the day that I would get to be one of the shows. Now as a young adult, I know that aside from the privileges and money, it is one of the worst things that can happen to a child. Thank you for coming forward with this, and finally making a podcast about it. We need to get educated about this topic. Especially at these times where something as "family vloggers" exist. Exploitation of children should be stopped. Thank you again, Alyson.

I am only 10 minutes in and I am already so impressed how well rounded she is in her approach. She is really taking a lot of different viewpoints into consideration and seems to be so level headed and not blaming or pointing fingers in a dramatic fashion. And she promises a solution. I am so stoked to see where this goes. You have my attention.

I’m a mental health professional who grew up with the Disney channel. I’ve thought a lot about this subject over the years, as I continued my education and as more people spoke out. I hope this conversation continues and leads to real change.

How is she soooo good at explaining. So eloquent! Every important point not left behind. So amazing. She must be a trained stoic not fuming in anger after the “new legal team” trying to take advantage. So crazy! But we are for her! So I think it is even more powerful this way!

Alyson - as a child actor myself who worked from the age of 5-17 years old, you have no idea how much this series means to me. Hearing you talk about things you (and I) experienced in the lense of your incredible wisdom, has been more therapeutic and healing than any therapy I have attended. Just THANK YOU and keep shedding light on an industry only us survivors can speak on. Sending you tons of love and support.

I am never shocked when young stars spiral out of control. It is an insane amount of pressure on a young mind and too many are expected to be the breadwinners at home when they aren't even adults. I am so glad you're shedding more light to it, hopefully it can be the cornerstone for change

I am here as a victim of CSA. Though my personal journey did not include stardom, I realize that child abuse impacts both the rich and the poor similarly. The body keeps the score for all of us.

Hi Alyson, former child star here. Love your research. effort, work, clear and empathetic viewpoint on the subject. I’m also very passionate about this. Tried petitioning SAG multiple times about mental health services, policy changes, and putting structures in place to protect child actors to no avail thus far. I think as we gather momentum we can make effective change.

I’m an attorney and I’m a millennial. I grew up watching the child actors speaking their truth over the last few years. I want to learn more about how I can help, both from my perspective as a legal professional and as someone starting a family. Can’t wait for more episodes!

This is so awesome! I’m a researcher that studies the dark side of sport participation, and I can see the parallels between the sport and media environments (lack of bodily autonomy, lack of regulation and protections, long-term impacts of adverse experiences, adult-driven environments, etc.), along with the unique aspects of both. Thoroughly enjoy the thought, time, and effort put into this, and very excited to see where it goes!