Regulations and the addition of laws in terms of child stars 

The entertainment industry hosts select popular groups in society, mainly actors. They are revered as funny, outgoing, and entertaining figures. However, the youthful actors had many problems concerning working conditions and financial issues, even instances of abuse.

“To show concern of the rising child influencers, laws should evolve by being more widely known”, said DBHS freshman Alexander Zuniga.

Child actors may require work permits, including parental consent, age proof, and school records. When on set, a parent or guardian must be present and within sight and sound.  Depending on the state, regulations can dictate how many hours a young star can work. In California, infants under 6 months can only “work” for 20 minutes daily. Also, many states require that performers attend school and receive tutoring so the child can receive a proper education.

“Parents and guardians should be supportive of their children. Child stars might feel pressured when recording, which can lead to stress and anxiety. Entertainment companies can also offer personal time and necessities for the actors to calm them down.”

Before the 1930s, child performers were incredibly vulnerable to financial exploitation, and parents often mismanaged their earnings. The start of law regulations regarding child actors was around the time of the Cooger Act in the US, enacted in 1939; this law mandated the creation of trust funds, managed by a trustee, for a part of the actor’s earnings. A young boy named Jackie Coogan started the case when he discovered his parents had spent his earnings. This act ensures their financial stability until maturity and adulthood. The act has been revised multiple times, most recently in 2000, which increased the required percentage of earnings placed in trust to 15% of gross income. It is constantly modified to include more modern subjects, like social media.

The average life of a child actor back then wasn’t as nice as it sometimes was painted to be. There were many privacy concerns, whether it was the working conditions or the financial problems that are now taken into account. Being a young performer now is a lot better than before, but that doesn’t mean every problem has dissolved.

Written by Micah Noel | Graphic Designed by Micah Noel

Published April 24, 2025 | ePathfinder | Perspectives