Former child actor Christy Carlson Romano recently shared on a podcast that she has chosen not to watch the Investigation Discovery documentary series 'Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV' due to it being 'extremely triggering.' The series delves into misconduct and abuse allegations behind the scenes at Nickelodeon during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Romano revealed that she declined a request to participate in a similar documentary in the past, emphasizing the importance of not sensationalizing trauma for entertainment purposes. She expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of such documentaries and highlighted the need for a more constructive approach to addressing issues within the industry.
She emphasized the importance of viewing the abuses faced by child actors as a child labor issue, advocating for better protections and support systems for young performers on film and television sets. Romano suggested implementing measures such as having assistant directors announce the presence of minors on set, similar to how they announce other potential hazards like guns or animals.
Additionally, Romano discussed her involvement with the Looking Ahead program, which supports young performers and is partially funded by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). She noted that there is a need for increased funding and resources to better serve child actors within the industry.
Romano's insights shed light on the complexities of addressing issues related to child actors' well-being and safety in the entertainment industry. Her perspective underscores the importance of approaching these sensitive topics with care and consideration for the individuals involved.
The full interview with Romano will be available on the upcoming episode of the 'Mayim Bialik's Breakdown' podcast on April 16.
