Stranger Things Star Noah Schnapp Says Therapy Should Be Mandatory for Child Actors, Opens Up on Mental Health Struggles

Noah Schnapp, who became a household name after playing Will Byers in Netflix’s Stranger Things, is now speaking openly about an issue he feels strongly about: mental health support for children working

in the entertainment industry. Having grown up in the public eye himself, Schnapp believes therapy should not be optional for child actors. In his view, it should be a standard part of the system that surrounds them.Schnapp was just 11 years old when Stranger Things premiered in 2016. Overnight, he went from being a regular kid to a global star. At the time, he didn’t think much about therapy or mental health support. He describes himself back then as a “happy-go-lucky kid” who felt he was doing just fine. Like many children, he didn’t fully understand the emotional weight that comes with sudden fame, constant attention, and public judgement.It was only later, after experiencing therapy himself, that Schnapp began to see things differently. Speaking to USA Today, he explained how difficult it is to figure yourself out when you’re growing up in front of millions of people. “It’s hard to grow up in the public eye. You don’t know yourself, you haven’t figured anything out, and now you’re expected to know everything and have all the answers,” he said.He also reflected on how mistakes made at a young age don’t simply fade away when you’re famous. “I was constantly saying the wrong things or being embarrassed by not taking certain things seriously that I should’ve, and then that lives on forever,” Schnapp shared. Unlike most people, child actors don’t get the luxury of learning privately. “People grow and learn, and to do that publicly is not easy,” he added.Schnapp pointed out that over time, it becomes clear how unusual this kind of childhood really is. “Through the years, it becomes like, ‘No, this is an abnormal life and you need some type of support system outside of your parents,’” he said. While family support is important, he believes professional mental health care is just as necessary when children are navigating such high-pressure environments.As he’s grown older, Schnapp says he now better understands why so many people in Hollywood struggle with mental health issues. “Growing up, I never understood why people were depressed or turned to drugs or had eating disorders,” he admitted. “As you get older, you understand how the pressures of Hollywood can create that.” He also mentioned that the lifestyle itself can be overwhelming, adding, “I always tell my parents, ‘I could never live in LA. I think I would get lost.’”Now 21, Schnapp’s perspective is shaped by both experience and hindsight. With Stranger Things set to air its series finale on December 31 after a five-season run, his comments feel especially reflective. Rather than focusing on fame or success, he is using his voice to highlight the need for better mental health support for children in the industry—something he believes could make growing up in the spotlight a little less overwhelming.