A 11-year-old child model, Teddy Shelton, has earned over £40,000 through his nine-year career, with the funds earmarked for his future education or a housing deposit. His mother, Candice Shelton, began his modeling journey at age two after receiving numerous compliments on his appearance. Teddy's earnings are managed in a savings account, though he occasionally withdraws small amounts for personal purchases.
While Teddy's career has been financially rewarding, it has also brought challenges. His mother has set up a private Instagram account to share his campaign images after encountering a troll making negative comments. She emphasizes that Teddy enjoys his work, is taught to handle rejections, and that the school is supportive of his academic progress.
The child modeling industry is known for its potential to provide substantial earnings, with day fees ranging from a few hundred pounds to thousands, plus usage rights that can significantly increase overall income. Reputable agencies report that successful child models are confident, take direction well, and can adapt to new environments. However, the industry faces criticism regarding its potential negative impacts on children's well-being.
Concerns include an unhealthy focus on appearance, which critics warn can lead to anxiety and body dysmorphia. There are also risks associated with long working hours, potential missed schooling, and the misuse of a child's image online, especially as children cannot provide consent. Research from the University of Southampton suggests that sharing children's images online, whether for modeling or personal use, increases their risk of harassment and identity theft.
Industry Practices and Parental Roles
Parents interested in the industry typically submit photos and information to specialized agencies. Reputable agencies do not guarantee work and are transparent about their processes and fees, which may include a small upfront charge for website listings. Red flags for parents include pressure to pay quickly, unsolicited social media approaches, vague contracts, or requests for inappropriate photos.
Agencies often take a commission of 20% to 35% on earnings. While many parents aim to save earnings for their children, questions arise about financial management. In the United States, Coogan's Law mandates that 15% of a child's entertainment earnings be placed in a protected account accessible only upon adulthood. The UK lacks such a statutory requirement, leading to situations where parental use of a child's earnings for personal expenses has been reported, although other parents have used such funds for significant assets like property.
Navigating the Demands of Modeling
Parents in the industry must be prepared for demanding schedules, including short-notice travel for auditions and shoots, which often occur on weekdays. This requires a supportive school and flexibility in parental work arrangements. Some parents, like Candice Shelton, are self-employed, allowing them to manage their schedules around their child's commitments. Others, like Harry Court's mother, a makeup artist, can sometimes bring their children along to industry-related work environments, familiarizing them with sets.
The industry can be competitive, with parents sometimes feeling overlooked by busy shoot teams. Ensuring a child's protection and well-being on set is a primary parental responsibility. Despite the challenges, some parents view modeling as an exciting opportunity that can teach valuable life lessons about perseverance and handling disappointment, potentially setting children up for future financial stability in a challenging economic climate.