Selena Gomez to Taylor Swift: Child stars who didn’t let fame ruin them

Do you remember your very first school play? Jitters and butterflies in your stomach on being thrown up on stage in front of a huge audience? It’s a lot of pressure out there.
So, imagine being thrown in front of a large audience or a camera before you even know how to tie your shoelaces! That’s the world of a child star for you. There was a time when reading about Lindsay Lohan’s rehab stints, Macaulay Culkin’s drug abuse, Britney Spears’ many marriages and meltdowns, and Amanda Bynes’ hit-and-run cases was nothing out of the ordinary.You’d think, ‘just another child star acting out the template.’ But there are some who have managed to transition into adulthood successfully, and are even seen as role models to the younger lot. Here are some of today’s celebs (Sorry Miley Cyrus and Justin Beiber, you guys didn’t quite make the cut) who started out young, but still have their life together. Some are even managing to inspire others!
Selena Gomez
While her taste in boyfriends is questionable, Gomez is considered a role model for a lot of young people out there. A UNICEF ambassador since 2009, Gomez dedicates her time to many causes and has held several charity concerts across the world. She also supports animal welfare organisations, visits and donates to hospitals and is known for engaging with her fans often over social media.
Emma Watson
Emma Watson literally grew up in front of the camera. Cast as the nerdy but oh-so-cute Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series at the age of 9, she shot to fame at a very tender age. Though she continued to act and brought us some wonderful films like The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, Watson also graduated from Brown University in May 2014 and was then appointed as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. As part of her new role, she helped launch the UN Women campaign HeForShe, with the goal of inspiring men and boys to advocate for the ending of the gender inequality that women and girls face throughout the world. And she’d rather hang out with Malala Yousafzai than post naked selfies.
Nick Jonas
Nick rose to fame at the age of 14 with the boy band he formed with his older brothers – The Jonas Brothers. Despite the splitting up of the band, Nick managed to establish himself as a solo artiste and now, at 23, he has become the voice for children suffering with diabetes. Diagnosed with the disease himself, Nick developed a foundation that works with different charities to raise awareness and funds for childhood ailments. Nick has also openly spoken up about his support for gay rights.
Dakota Fanning
Fanning was one of the most successful young actors in Hollywood, and became the youngest actor ever nominated for a Screen Guild Award at the age of seven for her role in I Am Sam. Even as a child, the roles she took on were complex and required some serious talent. But what makes Fanning stand out was that despite her very early rise to fame, she has never made headlines for the wrong reasons. Fanning even took a break from acting to finish her education from New York University.

Taylor Swift
Yes, her dating record might not be the best, but Taylor Swift has certainly managed to turn into one of the most positive role models for kids these days. She’s never had a sex tape leaked, an assault charge, or a public meltdown (even after Kanye West publicly humiliated her at the 2009 Grammys). She’s never been busted for drugs or attacked a photographer. She doesn’t trash hotel rooms, forget to wear underwear, or sell sex in her videos. Swift reaches out to her fans often and is part of at least 20 different charities. Even Gwyneth Paltrow thinks Swift’s a great role model for her daughter.
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Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence has got to be one of the best role models in Hollywood today, and she’s only 25! Not only is she sassy, quirky and always keeps it real, she has also spoken up against Hollywood’s need to project a certain kind of body image, as well as the objectification of women in the film industry. Most recently, JLaw was praised highly for her take on the gender wage gap in Hollywood. An official ambassador for the Special Olympics, Lawrence is involved with several charitable organisations.
Daniel Radcliffe
Another Harry Potter star who is seen as a positive role model is Harry Potter himself – Daniel Radcliffe. Radcliffe, like his co-star Emma Watson, grew up on the big screen. Radcliffe revealed in a tell-all interview that he had a drinking problem, but, unlike other child stars, managed to nip the habit in the bud. His own struggle with the neurological condition dyspraxia made Radcliffe get involved with charitable work for children, and encourages his fans to do so as well.

Demi Lovato
The former Disney star has had it tough and she’s been quite public about it. She has battled and risen from substance abuse, bipolar disorder and anorexia. So, what makes her a role model, you ask? The younger generation, especially the girls, love this pop star for the way she overcame her personal issues and is now actively involved in mental health and anti-bullying campaigns.
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