EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — With the release of Demi Lovato's documentary "Child Star," followed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom's recent signing of two bills to protect child influencers’ financial security, it's clear that young entertainers are having a moment. 

Lovato interviewed a number of high-profile celebrities for her new film, as well as experts in the realm of youth support. That includes licensed social worker Chris Smith — who is also the director of Looking Ahead, a program by the Entertainment Community Fund that supports young performers and their families with mental health counseling, community building and wellness resources.

Smith recently spoke to Spectrum News to share more about his experience working with Lovato on the documentary.

“We've been around for 20 years. We're the only program that supports the mental health and wellness of young professional performers, child actors. So it's just really nice whenever we get the opportunity to spread our message on a larger platform," Smith said. "That documentary was a great opportunity to put a face to some of the kids and to be in more of a public eye, given Demi's prominence and high profile."

Smith also voiced his support of how Newsom signed a pair of bills in September that expanded the previously established Coogan's Law for child actors.

"Like any legislation that's geared toward supporting youth and supporting young performers, I'm in favor of and I really appreciate Demi, like, taking this step to move the conversation forward and really appreciate Gov. Newsom putting this on the table as well," Smith said.

Demi Lovato joined California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept 26, 2024, as Newsom signed two bills to ensure child influencers are financially compensated for their work online. (Photo courtesy of Gov. Gavin Newsom's office)

As showcased in "Child Star," Lovato took the time to sit down with Smith and a group of children to hear their questions about the industry. She provided thoughtful answers while sharing some of her own experiences from growing up as a famed performer.

"Demi was really engaged and was really vulnerable and, I think, very honest about some of the things that they have gone through, but also very mindful of kind of keeping the conversation appropriate, given the kids' age and developmental levels," Smith said.

"Child Star" — produced by Lovato and Michael D. Ratner, Scott Ratner, Miranda Sherman and Kfir Goldberg for OBB Pictures — is now streaming on Hulu. To learn more about Looking Ahead, visit here.