Former child star Alyson Stoner, now 31, is making headlines as she speaks out about her experiences growing up in Hollywood and her commitment to advocating for current child actors and influencers. Stoner is most well-known for her appearances in films such as “Camp Rock” and for her earlier choreography in Missy Elliott’s “Work It.” Her professional odyssey has been accompanied by notable personal success and stark adversity.
Stoner began dancing when she was nine years old. She soon transitioned into acting and built her career on starring roles in multiple films and television series. Living life in the public eye presented its own challenges. Stoner explained that by the time she was nine years old, her childhood was pretty much over.
“I just turned 9 but childhood was over.” – Alyson Stoner
She detailed the ways in which the onslaught of fame started to impact her personal life at an early age. Stoner noted, “By the time I was 9, I was no longer in school,” emphasizing the isolation she felt from her peers. The financial stresses of her profession broke her spirit. She didn’t want to be part of an industry that sometimes puts profit above people’s health and safety.
“I was no longer able to connect with peers. Financially, I was taking on pressures, not necessarily to provide for my entire family but to make sure that this industry machine and my career kept going.” – Alyson Stoner
With great bravery, Stoner opened up about her mental health challenges. She shared that at 17, she entered a mental health center because the pressures of the industry were taking a toll on her mental state. She sustained an eating disorder through this period, which she credits to the extreme pressure she experienced.
“I was losing weight, and honestly, had my health not started deteriorating, I don’t know if I ever would have unpacked all of these issues.” – Alyson Stoner
Stoner is an outspoken advocate for mental health in the entertainment industry and child safety. She’s been instrumental in lobbying for policy changes at the city, state, and national levels to protect young artists. Her advocacy is making a real difference driving powerful companies to adopt better online safety protocols. She advocates to protect child actors’ rights to control their income and consent when they come of age.
“I also want to see legislation protecting young kids’ finances, their right to revoke consent upon turning 18,” – Alyson Stoner
As an artist activist, Stoner feels strongly that reforms need to not only uplift young artists, but change the space they’re working in.
“So, this isn’t just about supporting the young artists themselves, it’s also about redesigning the environment around them.” – Alyson Stoner
It’s true, Stoner has been tirelessly working to defend artists. She even developed a digital course to equip them with the skills needed to navigate the often complicated world of entertainment. With this project, she aims to inspire the next generation of talent by imparting the wisdom she’s learned along her own journey.
In an effort to drive progress, Stoner is a tireless advocate. She’s rapidly emerged as one of the most potent voices of her generation, particularly for peers that are struggling to navigate the complexities of early fame. Her journey sheds light on the urgent need for mental health resources in the industry. It does much more than that; it reaffirms the importance of safety within a generally appealing yet competitive space.
