‘I Fear for Their Safety’: The Reckoning of Teenage Pop Stardom

The stories of young pop stars facing the challenges of fame are numerous and often troubling.

One striking example is Britney Spears, who became a sensation at just 16 years old with her hit Hit Me Baby One More Time. Unfortunately, the pressure of being in the public eye led her to take anti-depressants shortly after and suffer through very public breakdowns that resulted in a conservatorship. Similarly, Robbie Williams, who found fame at 16 as part of Take That, has been very open about his struggles with depression, substance abuse, and the difficulties of fame.

However, the recent death of Liam Payne, a member of the boy band One Direction, has intensified discussions on the necessity for reforms within the music industry.

In remarks to The Guardian, British songwriter Guy Chambers, best known for his work with Williams, suggested that individuals should not join boy bands until they reach 18, citing the lack of proper care for young talents.

Concerns have also been voiced by former contestants of UK’s The X Factor, such as Rebecca Ferguson and Katie Waissel. Ferguson labeled Payne as a “victim” of an exploitative system, while Waissel has called for a deeper investigation into the show’s parent company and the establishment of new laws to safeguard artists' mental health. Although Payne was 31 when he passed away, he had been exposed to fame from a young age, appearing on the show at 14 and 16, and had candidly shared his battles with fame and addiction over the years.

In a recent interview with the BBC, psychologist Dr. Adi Jaffe, who has worked with various celebrities and musicians in the US, warned that young people are particularly vulnerable in the entertainment industry. He explained that children often lack the resilience needed to handle the demands of such a rigorous career. Being thrust into the spotlight can lead to feelings of isolation, affecting their social development and identity.

Sharon Osbourne, a former judge on The X Factor, expressed her sorrow in a tribute to Payne, lamenting how the industry failed him: “You were just a kid when you entered one of the toughest industries in the world. Who was in your corner?”

'I Fear for Their Safety': Perspectives from Australian Artists

Casey Donovan, the winner of Australian Idol at age 16 in 2004, does not advocate for banning individuals under 18 from reality TV shows, but she emphasizes the need for caution.

“I fear for the safety of the younger generation that comes through these shows,” she said, reflecting on the heightened pressures faced by artists today. “When I participated 20 years ago, social media was not as widespread as it is now.”

Donovan noted that at 16, individuals are still undergoing significant life changes, and that being over 18 allows for a better understanding of the responsibilities associated with fame.

Social media scrutiny can have devastating effects on young musicians. U.S. singer Rebecca Black faced intense ridicule at just 13 years old after the release of her viral hit Friday, leading her to feel ashamed and fearful. Professionally, this backlash made it challenging for her to collaborate with producers and songwriters and it wasn't until she turned 26 that she finally released her debut album.

Ellis Hall, a musician from Sydney who first appeared on the Australian version of The X Factor at 15, describes the rapid change in his online following. He recalled going from having 1,000 followers to 30,000 almost overnight, which was overwhelming.

Hall eventually found success and confidence, going back to participate in The Voice at age 20 with a clearer understanding of how to leverage the platform for his career. “I started gigging a lot, and I’m a full-time musician as a result of that which is awesome. It opened a lot of doors.”

Despite his positive experience, Hall acknowledges that many young talents may lack a support system, which is crucial in navigating the challenges of the industry. “The entertainment business, really, is a dirty game,” says Ben Lee, who began his career at 14 with his band Noise Addict. He describes the financial and psychological stresses young artists often face.

Although he experienced good guidance with influential figures like the Beastie Boys and Sonic Youth, Lee emphasizes that it is vital for young artists to have solid support. “There is room for young people to make music and share their art, but they need mentors who genuinely have their best interests at heart.”

Mark Holden, another original judge from Australian Idol, also disagrees with the notion of excluding under-18s from the industry completely, stating that readiness varies by individual. He shared that he is currently guiding a talented young artist who is just 13, suggesting that the parents should prioritize her development at a comfortable pace.

Support for Young Artists

Everyone interviewed for this article stressed that family should be the primary source of support and guidance for young musicians. It is worth noting that regulations in productions like Australian Idol and The Voice require chaperones for participants under 18 to ensure their safety on set.

A spokesperson from the production company behind these shows stated that they prioritize psychological care for all participants, providing resources before, during, and after the production period to support their well-being and help them engage positively with social media.

However, Lee argues that the music industry needs to adopt a more long-term approach. He suggests that when investing in young talent, the focus should be on nurturing their growth over decades instead of simply making quick profits.

Lily Allen, who also started her career at 17 through MySpace, expressed similar sentiments in a recent podcast, stating that the industry's obsession with youth often leads to exploitation. She proposed that an essential change would be for record labels to treat artists as employees rather than freelancers, which would place them under an obligation to care for their mental health.

Until shifts like these occur, Lee believes that peer support from established artists is invaluable for newcomers. “You’re the captain of your own ship in this industry, which is quite daunting for a 15-year-old.” He concluded, “Having experienced artists who can guide and warn you about potential pitfalls is crucial.”

Support is available from Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

safety, fame, support