Vigilance on Set: Practical Safeguards Every Parent Should Know
In today’s blog, executive director, Matt McGee, discusses the recent allegations that have shaken the child entertainment community and shares important guidance on how parents and performers can stay vigilant, informed, and proactive to ensure safer environments on set moving forward.
A few weeks ago, the entire child entertainment industry was rocked by the allegations that actor Timothy Busfield had, for years, abused two boys on the set of the TV show the Cleaning Lady. As more details have surfaced as to how this was allowed to happen, we as a community have had to come to grips with how the parents and performers of our community move forward safely.
It has always been a core tenet of MPA’s philosophy that we showcase that a child’s experience in this industry do not have to negative or traumatizing. But unfortunately, it is the most salacious cases that make the news and remind us that we must remain diligent to keep the children in this industry safe, happy and thriving.
Moments like these remind us why vigilance, education, and presence are essential in this industry. So I wanted to write you all today, the members of the community we serve, and touch a few ways you can stay vigilant and keep your child safe on set.
The Sight & Sound Rule: A Non-Negotiable Safeguard
One of the most effective protections for child performers is the Sight & Sound rule, which exists on sets for a reason.
The rule is simple: A child should never be alone with an adult in a private space where they cannot be seen and heard by their parent. This applies to: dressing rooms, rehearsal spaces, coaching sessions, transportation, breaks, recreation and everywhere on set.
If an interaction cannot occur in clear view and within earshot of others, it should not occur at all.
The Sight & Sound rule protects children and adults. It removes ambiguity, reduces risk, and establishes a culture where safety is normalized—not questioned.
If you ever feel pressure to bend this rule “just this once,” that is your cue to pause. Safety rules are most important when they feel inconvenient.
Know Your Set Teacher and Communicate Your Expectations
The studio teacher is your advocate on set and is responsible for your child’s welfare as they move through the set. They too should be observing the sight and sound rule. In the Busfield case, crew members reported that the child’s studio teacher would often let the child wander through a live set unsupervised. Not only is this dangerous, it is negligent. While most teachers are excellent educators and welfare providers, you should be in regular contact with your teacher. Make clear your expectations and ensure that they are doing their job responsibly. Communicate often and don’t be afraid to speak up.
Know the Warning Signs
Abusers rarely look like the part. More often, they present as helpful, charismatic, generous, or deeply invested in a child’s success. While no single behavior proves harm, patterns matter. Some common warning signs include:
Boundary testing: Ignoring rules, encouraging secrecy, or minimizing policies meant to protect children.
Isolation tactics: Creating reasons to be alone with a child or discouraging parental presence.
Special treatment: Gifts, favors, or opportunities framed as “just between us.”
Over-identification: Positioning themselves as the only one who truly understands or supports the child.
Dismissal of discomfort: Laughing off concerns, calling a child “too sensitive,” or framing unease as unprofessional.
Equally important are changes in a child’s behavior, such as sudden withdrawal, anxiety around specific people or places, regression, or reluctance to attend work they once enjoyed.
The entertainment business is a relationships business, so these may be tempting to ignore. And you don’t have to eschew all personal relationships with business connections. But you do have to remember, this is a business.
Stay vigilant and know that the only person who can truly look out for your child is you.
