Children and young people face a growing number of pressures that can have a profound impact on their mental health . As someone who’s been involved in the entertainment industry from the young age of seven and still on screen 20 years later, I’ve experienced both the joy of the high and the anxiety of the lows. As well as being in the broadcasting space, I work closely with kids through the Theatre School of Scotland, I’ve seen first-hand how the pressures of being in the spotlight, combined with the omnipresence of social media, can weigh heavily on young minds.
From the glitz and glamour of theatre, music, film , and television, the entertainment industry is often seen as a dream career for many young people. However, what often goes unnoticed is the emotional toll that comes with being in the public eye. For children who are passionate about performing, the desire to succeed can lead to a constant pressure to meet expectations: not only from themselves but from family, peers, and society.
Performing arts demand discipline, resilience, and the ability to cope with rejection, all while managing the emotional highs and lows that come with auditions, performances, and public appearances. While I’ve always believed in the power of performing arts to build confidence and self-expression, it’s crucial that we also teach young people how to handle the inevitable setbacks and criticisms that come with it. As an industry, we must prioritise the mental wellbeing of young p.
