Social Media & Young performers: A Safety Guide for Parents

In today’s digital age, social media can be a fantastic tool for young performers. It’s a way to celebrate achievements, connect with friends, and even showcase talent. However, for a child in the public eye—even just a little bit—the online world comes with unique risks.

Following the latest advice from the Agents of Young Performers Association (AYPA), we’ve put together this essential guide to help you navigate the "do's and don'ts" of your child's online presence.

1. The Golden Rule: Privacy First The most important step you can take is to keep your child’s personal accounts private.

• Approve Every Follower: Only allow people you know and trust to follow your child’s account.

• Limit the Audience: Remember that once something is online, you lose control of where it goes. Keeping the circle small keeps your child safer.

2. What NEVER to Share It’s easy to get excited when your child books a role or starts a new drama class, but oversharing can be dangerous. To protect your child from unwanted attention or "digital predators," avoid posting:

• Specific Locations: Never tag your child’s school, regular dance studio, or local youth club. These are places they visit on a schedule, making them easy to track.

• Full Names and Birthdays: Identity theft is real, even for kids.

• Spotlight Links: Your child’s Spotlight profile is a professional CV, but it often contains personal details. Share it only with casting directors and agents, not the general public.

• Revealing Photos: Be mindful of images in swimwear or dancewear. Unfortunately, these can attract the wrong kind of attention.

3. The "Grandparent Test" A good rule of thumb for any post: If you wouldn’t show it to a stranger on the street or your grandparent, don’t put it online. Encourage your child to think before they post. Is this photo something they will be happy to see in 10 years? A digital footprint lasts forever, and future casting directors (or employers!) will be able to see it.

4. Mental Health Matters Social media isn't just a safety risk; it can be an emotional one too.

• The Comparison Trap: Seeing other young actors booking big roles can make your child feel inadequate. Remind them that social media is a "highlight reel," not real life.

• Trolls and Comments: If your child has a public profile, they may face negative comments. Monitor their accounts closely and turn off comments if necessary. Your child’s mental well-being is worth more than any number of "likes."

5. Who is in Control? For younger children, the parent should be the one holding the keys.

• Manage the Account: You should have full access to their passwords and check their messages regularly.

• Be the Buffer: You are the filter between the world and your child. If a casting opportunity comes through a DM (Direct Message), it’s almost certainly a scam. Legitimate casting directors go through agents.

The Bottom Line You are your child’s biggest fan and their most important protector. By setting clear boundaries and keeping communication open, you can help them enjoy the benefits of the industry without compromising their safety or happiness.

Stay safe, stay savvy, and keep shining!

Kind regards

Ben Whiteside

Company Director

Int. British Theatre School