Child & Teen Modelling: Balancing School, Life, and the Spotlight

  • Postedby Jo

The perfect balancing act might just be the secret of a happy, fulfilling life.

There are some days when we can’t fit everything into a mere 24-hour period, whilst on other days we simply pass the time, looking for activities to engage and inspire us.

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As you read this, children and teenagers live in an era crammed full of anticipation. Modern life is sweet, but some may also experience uncertainty. Of course, there have been pitfalls and celebration in any period in living memory, but now in particular for the younger generation, the present time is one of speculation and excitement: What will next year bring? What new technology will be invented? What will I be doing as a career a few years down the line?

Youngsters all have dreams – some realistic, some romantically idealistic. But that’s perfectly acceptable; young people should have dreams, no matter how impractical they are.

Modelling is a dream for some, but completely reasonable for others; what suits one person may not appeal to others. But we know from experience that thousands of teenagers and children dream of becoming models because we’ve had the pleasure of placing them with our respected clients.

How can children and teenagers juggle a busy school schedule and action-packed social activities with modelling? Is it easy, or is it even possible?

The first point we should make is that we know parents and guardians have their child’s welfare as their foremost priority. They are the best judges of their child’s limitations, and we know parents won’t put their child’s best interests in jeopardy.

But we do have some points to remind parents that children and teens can enjoy a balanced education, social life and time in the modelling spotlight should they be chosen by some of the brands we work with.

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  1. Ensure that your child understands that they should only accept jobs with us if it’s convenient with them and parents. Parents must accompany models under the age of 18 years on all modelling assignments, so the job must be suitable for both parties.
  2. On a similar theme, children and parents can refuse a job with us should their child be chosen by our clients. There is no pressure to accept any jobs.
  3. Set out a clear calendar – separate to your normal household one – and mark any school holidays, days for revision, exams etc. Then, in a different coloured pen, mark the days when your child can be available for any modelling work. This will cut out any ambiguity when we contact you with news of a modelling job.
  4. When you apply to any agency on behalf of a minor, inform them of any family holidays or days when they won’t be available should they be chosen by a client.
  5. Safety and enjoyment are the two most important aspects of a young person’s life. Don’t over-stress the importance of exams because, as central as these are to someone’s education, it could make them anxious or apprehensive.
  6. Commercial modelling could lead to other forms of modelling or acting / singing. However, don’t have visions of your child becoming stars on the back of modelling success. Child and teen modelling is a highly enjoyable (and enviable) pastime, but it doesn’t automatically equate to film or TV work or singing contracts. It is, however, flexible, usually well paid, and a wonderful experience – and it should be treated as such.

Younger models can work with top brands whilst studying at school and having a rich social life. Parents play a key role in finding the perfect balance.

We’d like to wish all our younger models the very best as they continue to learn and enjoy new experiences.