Alyson Stoner is calling for productions to normalize on-set mental health coordinators for child actors, arguing the role should be treated with the same routine planning that intimacy coordination now receives. The appeal follows fresh attention on their advocacy work and new memoir, with Stoner sharing that they now serve as a mental health coordinator and want studios to make the position standard rather than ad hoc.
Stoner, known for early breakthrough roles before pivoting toward wellness work, has described the coordinator’s remit as both preventative and practical: reviewing scripts for harmful tropes, preparing adults for difficult scenes, and providing basic support to cast and crew during emotionally demanding shoots. They have also launched toolkits and host a podcast focused on safer practices for young performers, framing mental health coordination as a complement to existing safety departments.
The proposal arrives amid wider scrutiny of how sets treat minors. After high-profile allegations reignited debate about children’s safety, the performers union publicized resources and forums addressing mental health and tightened expectations around adults who supervise young talent. Advocates point to the acceptance of intimacy coordination in recent years as proof that new safety roles can be integrated without disrupting creative work.
Specialists say a mental health coordinator is distinct from an on-set therapist: rather than providing clinical treatment, the coordinator helps productions plan depictions responsibly, de-escalate issues, and signpost people to appropriate care when needed. Industry groups and training initiatives in the US and UK have begun sharing guidance that encourages producers to budget for mental health support, brief teams on wellbeing risks, and build simple check-in protocols.
