Hollywood’s studio system tightly controls child stars.

Jackie Coogan one of the first child actors stars in silent film the kid, in the 1930s he becomes one of the first child acting abuse cases that comes to court.  

Shirley Temple was a big star in Hollywood, she was financially exploited and was very sexualized during her career. 

Judy Garland (star of (The Wizard of Oz) is given drugs to stay thin and energetic, and later reveals emotional and physical abuse by studio heads.

Abuse is kept hidden due to powerful studios and lack of protections.

Abuse continues behind the scenes with little regulation in the 60-70s especially. 

Former child actors later reveal emotional, physical, and sexual abuse during these decades.

In 80s, Gary Coleman (Diff’rent Strokes) and Todd Bridges later speak out about being exploited and mistreated, Coleman later would successfully sued his adoptive parents for a million dollars. 

Things were still severely swept under the rug. 

Corey Feldman and Corey Haim, major 80s child stars, begin hinting at sexual abuse by powerful Hollywood figures, but not much comes of it. 

Allegations start surfacing more, but most are dismissed or ignored.

Nickelodeon becomes a very popular channel for children ICarly, Amanda show, Victorious, Drake and Josh, and Zoey 101 are watched by various kids, many of the actors later reported abuse on set. 

Brian Peck, a acting coach on Nickelodeon shows, is arrested and convicted for sexual abuse of a 15 year old actor later revealed to be Drake Bell, and serves 16 months in jail. 

There were several other 

More survivors begin sharing their stories through documentaries, interviews, and social media.

All Quiet on Set big turning point 

Shows and networks like Nickelodeon come under scrutiny.

Public calls for stronger protections, background checks, and mental health support for child actors increase.