The world of entertainment is an extensive realm of endless spotlight. Cameras sweep across a colossal room, and fans scream your name and compliment your performance. There’s something about a large cast of friends on a huge set, laughing at every blooper. Or rather, it’s having friends in general. Acting and being in the film industry, especially as a child, looks picture-perfect. Everything seems surreal, but in this world, child actors are constantly exploited for their talents.

Of course, there’s always truth beyond what we see. When business interferes with the fun, the happiness begins to fade. It goes beyond the joy and laughter we see on screen, concealed behind laugh tracks and forced smiles.

The darkness begins when the director yells, “Cut!”

Children should be sheltered from this reality, as they simply expect the same free-and-easy lifestyle that the screen presents. In some cases, when a child actor is present on a set, they may unfortunately be exploited and taken advantage of. Perhaps a parent forces a child into this field, or a director makes the set hostile and uncomfortable. While this is not always the case, it never should be and should never happen.  

Child exploitation surfaces in many different ways in the film industry. Whether it be restricted access to a normal childhood, or an alarming producer towering over them with uncomfortable demands. It is easy to feel overpowered in an industry full of top dogs and child exploitation, in all its forms, has been hidden from the eyes of consumers. To remain safe, close parental supervision is the key to staying protected, but in most cases, that just isn’t there.

Recently, cases of exploitation and abuse were brought to light by various movements and documentaries such as “Quiet On Set” or Brooke Shields’ 2023 documentary, “Pretty Baby”. Some of these powerful movements even come directly from victims themselves, such as Alexa Nikolas, who portrays Nicole Bristow in Nickelodeon’s hit television series “Zoey 101.” She opened up about her experience on Nickelodeon and founded the Eat Predators movement. This movement was created after Nikolas publicly took a stand against child exploitation from her own experience. By forming and supporting various protests against child exploitation and speaking against the abuse she experienced, Nikolas served as an advocate for ending the horrors in the entertainment industry. 

While we see many cases of abuse in the American film industry, this exploitation is, in fact, a global issue.

Moira Reyes, a freshman at Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy with an interest in acting abroad, said, “It’s a worldwide problem. I know of a couple [of cases] in the Philippines and in America as well.” 

Additionally, Samantha Jesus, a freshman at Huntington Beach High School (HBHS) and aspiring actress, said, “I need to protect myself…and I need to make sure I’m safe.” 

Fortunately, HBHS has a distinguished program that enables a secure environment and learning experience for everyone, all while putting their student’s education first. HBHS’s Academy of Performing Arts (APA) creates a broad acting and entertainment presence on campus. Many of these young aspiring actors have a safe place with trusted adults and fellow future entertainers. 

Jesus, in APA as a musical theater major, speaks highly of the program. “I came to APA and we have a lot of influences here [and] a lot of opportunities to meet people.” 

Sariah Rodriguez, another freshman and current musical theater major with an acting minor in the HBHS APA program, said, “[APA] really teaches you the basics, but it doesn’t teach you how to handle those scary situations.” Rodriguez said, “By becoming more mature and understanding what’s happening, you can protect yourself from these situations.”

It is evident that child exploitation remains a serious problem within the entertainment industry. While we may not always see what happens behind the curtain, it’s important to spread awareness because that’s how change begins. By joining school programs like APA, students can improve their talents while still prioritizing school. It is important to have a trusted, well-informed adult to guide their child through their career and protect their child’s vulnerability.