EXCLUSIVE: Becoming famous is often a huge dream for many children – but it also comes with a dark side many celebs have experienced. So what could be in store for the new cast of Harry Potter
The cast for the Harry Potter HBO series was announced this week, but will it all be magic and bantering with the sorting hat – or will the young actors have to battle some dark arts off the screen?
In news that will make anyone over the age of 25 feel ancient, the Wizarding World that many of Gen Z and Millennials grew up on is already getting a reboot – just 24 years after the first film was released.
Dominic McLaughlin will play lead role Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton shall star as Hermione and Alastair Stout will feature as Ron Weasley, which will most likely propel them into stardom.
While the 11-year-old actors could be made for life with the huge role, it is known that fame from a young age can be debilitating once kids start navigating adulthood.
With child actors notoriously victims of unprecedented global attention, including Justin Bieber and Drew Barrymore who have previously opened up about their negative experiences, it’s safe to wonder just what fame at a tender age actually does to the brain.
So, we’ve spoken with a psychologist to have a closer look at the negative impact of star status – and how it can really change children.
Dr Mosun, a consultant psychiatrist at Cassiobury Court, a rehabilitation clinic that treats mental health conditions and addiction, told us: “Fame in childhood can be psychologically destabilising because it disrupts the natural course of identity formation.
“Children are still developing a sense of self and external validation, especially on a public scale can create confusion between who they truly are and the persona projected onto them by the media or fans.
“It becomes difficult for them to separate their intrinsic worth from the approval of others.”
Having the expectation to receive constant validation, and often on a mass scale, can be detrimental to the identity of children. Ultimately, this can lead them to look for the same type of praise as they get older – though it could be without the relevancy they once had.
As per what Dr.Mosun explained, children can grow into adults that only know how to operate off of constant celebration. And that’s when the problems, established when young, can start to seep through the cracks come adulthood.
Praise can transform into ‘hate’, which makes it difficult to navigate when a child has been put on a pedestal for so long. Justin Bieber, who shot to fame at the age of 15 after being signed to Scooter Braun’s record label at 13, echoed this sentiment in an emotional open letter about his difficulties – including his struggles with depression.
He bravely said: “I went from a 13-year-old boy from a small town to being praised left and right by the world, with millions saying how much they loved me and how great I was.
“You hear these things enough as a young boy and you actually start believing it. Everyone did everything for me, so I never even learned the fundamentals of responsibility.”
Dr.Mosun explained that this can be down to an “overexposure” of “adult environments”, which puts stress on children that their brains aren’t fully able to deal with as of yet.
The medical professional continued: “Children may end up missing out on normal socialisation, leading to difficulties with peer relationships.
“There’s often an overexposure to adult environments, decision-making and stress, which the developing brain is not equipped to handle.
“We also see higher risks of anxiety and depression, and issues around control, especially when the child’s life is heavily managed by adults with vested interests.”
This immense amount of pressure to perform at such a young age, and the potential money and success attached to that, can bubble away in a developing child’s brain.
But, fame is not promised nor permanent. One moment the child can be the star of the show, and the next they can be yesterday’s business.
Drew Barrymore has been incredibly vocal about her past struggles and substance abuse that started from the age of 10. She shot to fame at the young age of seven after starring in E.T, by the age of 10 she was “getting high” with her mum’s friend.
The A-List actress struggled with many elements of fame, including the ebbs and flows of it when she was younger. She’s now spoke with a number of celebs who have been in similar situations, such as Demi Lovato.
Not all child actors struggle with fame, but there’s certainly a pattern – something Dr.Moson has studied.
The psychologist concluded: “This can be for many reasons. They may prematurely commit to an identity without exploration. So when the fame fades they find themselves lost, unsure of who they are outside that context.
“There’s also the struggle with autonomy as many weren’t in control of their own choices, and as adults, they may lack the skills to navigate life independently.
“The industry can discard child stars when they age leading to a sense of rejection or failure that can be deeply damaging.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
