Former child star Alyson Stoner speaks out about dangers of pursuing childhood fame
Former child star Alyson Stoner, known for their roles in movies including "Camp Rock," is speaking out about the dangers of pursuing fame and success in the entertainment industry from a young age and calling for industry-wide change.
Stoner, who uses they/them pronouns, sat down with "Good Morning America" ahead of the release of their new tell-all memoir, "Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything."
"I also want to see legislation protecting young kids' finances, their right to revoke consent upon turning 18," Stoner said. "So, this isn't just about supporting the young artists themselves, it's also about redesigning the environment around them."
Stoner grew up in Hollywood, moving to Los Angeles from the Midwest as a young child and beginning auditions at the age of 6.
In their new memoir, they detail their rise from dancing at age 9 in Missy Elliott's "Work It" music video in 2002 to acting in blockbuster franchises like 2003's "Cheaper by the Dozen" and the 2008 Disney film "Camp Rock."
As Stoner writes in their memoir, "I just turned 9 but childhood was over."
"By the time I was 9, I was no longer in school," Stoner told "GMA." "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."
Along with building their career, Stoner also had to face the challenges of growing up in the public eye.
"What I wasn't prepared for was then walking outside and, suddenly, the world having access to me," Stoner said.
The pressure was so overwhelming that Stoner said they eventually developed an eating disorder and had to check into a mental health facility at the age of 17.
"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," said Stoner.
Now 32, Stoner works as a mental health advocate and is working for change for current child actors and influencers, including pushing for better online safety protocols. Stoner also launched a digital course for artists navigating the entertainment industry.
Stoner's memoir "Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything" will be released by St. Martin's Press on Aug. 12.
If you or someone you know is battling an eating disorder, contact the National Eating Disorders Association at 1-800-931-2237 or NationalEatingDisorders.org.
Disney is the parent company of ABC News and "Good Morning America."
