THE PARENTAL ROLE
When it comes to child participation in reality television, the parents of child participants play a key role. Even before a child is on reality television, parent expectation and encouragement can impact a child's decision to be involved. Furthermore, if a child is very young, his/her parent was likely involved in the initial application process. But parent influence is not limited to the ability to give children permission and access to the industry. Parents are also responsible for signing consent forms, communicating with producers, and managing their child's public image. With so much power and responsibility, they are often asked by media about their role in protecting their child's well-being.
According to many parents, they are doing a satisfactory job. Tori Spelling, mother of four children (ages 2,3,6 and 7) in the reality television show "True Tori", tells ETonline that her decision to include her children strictly depends on their willingness. If her children do not want to continue being on camera, she will end the show. Other parents have shared ways in which they protect their child's public identity and self-esteem. After four-year-old Kaitlyn Maher became famous for singing on America's Got Talent, her parents, Reuben and Alison, told Los Angeles Times that they were cautious about how much fans were allowed to know about their daughter's life. In effort to protect Kaitlyn, they managed her social media and never allowed her to directly view the sites. In addition, they made an effort to show Kaitlyn constructive, rather than ego inflating, online comments.
According to many parents, they are doing a satisfactory job. Tori Spelling, mother of four children (ages 2,3,6 and 7) in the reality television show "True Tori", tells ETonline that her decision to include her children strictly depends on their willingness. If her children do not want to continue being on camera, she will end the show. Other parents have shared ways in which they protect their child's public identity and self-esteem. After four-year-old Kaitlyn Maher became famous for singing on America's Got Talent, her parents, Reuben and Alison, told Los Angeles Times that they were cautious about how much fans were allowed to know about their daughter's life. In effort to protect Kaitlyn, they managed her social media and never allowed her to directly view the sites. In addition, they made an effort to show Kaitlyn constructive, rather than ego inflating, online comments.
"If at any point the kids say, 'I don't want to do that anymore. I don't want to be on camera,' it all stops. It all goes away."
-Tori Spelling (ETonline) |
THE FLIP SIDE: PRESSURED & UNINFORMED
While parents are assumed to act in their child's best interests, their role as nurturers and protectors of their children is not always actualized. The main concern appears to be the impact of money and fame on parent decision to involve their child. As a result of an increase in popularity, the genre has developed into a highly lucrative industry (see under "Reality Television Economic Factors"). Participating in reality television is next best way to hit the jackpot. For instance, 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo' made $4,000 an episode and the winner of MasterChef Junior takes home a hefty $10,000. The combination of possibility and opportunity increases the chances that a parent will involve their child for the wrong reasons. In some instances, such as in the Balloon Boy hoax, unscrupulous intentions are obvious. The parents of six-year-old Falcon Heene lied to officials about their son being trapped in a saucer-shaped balloon in order to make themselves marketable for future television shows.
The lure of fame, wealth, or socioeconomic security can also cause parents to make poor decisions for their children during filming. Producers may push parents to make their children act a certain way or speak in a manner which will boost show ratings and therefore increase income. Under pressure and the enticement of a higher salary, parents may give in and agree to producer direction. Finally, parents may be poorly informed about their child's involvement. They may sign their children up with good intentions--to help them develop careers or showcase talent-- but not consider the full impact and drawbacks of their child's participation. Sucked into the enticing vortex of reality television opportunity, these parents may be unaware of what they are getting their children into.
"We don’t know what the potential dangers are yet--our kids are still kids...That’s something I didn’t think about when I signed the contract. I just filmed."
-Jon Gosselin (ETonline) |