短剧风暴中，被“催熟”的小演员们

Core Insights - The short drama industry in China has seen a rapid increase in child actors, with a market value of 825 billion yuan in 2025, and a user base of 696 million [4][5][23] - The industry lacks adequate protections for child actors, including limits on working hours and content review, relying heavily on parental supervision [5][23] - Many parents are drawn to the industry due to its low entry barriers and the potential for significant financial returns, with child actors earning between 800 to 10,000 yuan per day depending on their experience and the success of their projects [16][23] Industry Overview - The short drama sector is projected to reach a market value of 1 trillion yuan by 2025, with a significant portion attributed to children's roles, particularly in the "萌宝" (cute baby) genre [4][23] - The demand for child actors has surged, leading to a proliferation of opportunities, but also to concerns about the intense working conditions they face [5][23] Parental Involvement - Parents often play a crucial role in managing their children's careers, from scouting opportunities to negotiating contracts, and many have created social media accounts to promote their children [11][16] - The emotional and physical toll on parents is significant, with many reporting long hours and exhaustion from supporting their children on set [10][11] Child Actor Experiences - Child actors are often subjected to demanding filming schedules, with some working over 12 hours a day, which raises concerns about their well-being and development [5][9][10] - Despite the challenges, many children exhibit remarkable emotional control and maturity, often surprising their parents with their ability to handle intense situations [6][9] Industry Challenges - The lack of formal regulations regarding child labor in the short drama industry poses risks, as many parents are unaware of the potential dangers their children face [5][23] - Recent guidelines from the National Radio and Television Administration aim to protect child actors, but the industry continues to operate in a largely unregulated environment [23]