Candice Shelton, a bridal hairstylist based in Essex, began her son Teddy’s modelling career when he was just two years old after receiving frequent compliments on his appearance. Now 11, Teddy has spent nine years as a child model and has earned more than £40,000, which his parents have saved for his future university expenses or a house deposit. While Teddy occasionally uses small amounts for personal purchases, the majority of his earnings are preserved. His sisters, Sienna, 18, and Milah, 8, have also tried modelling but have not achieved the same level of success, a dynamic that the family navigates with plans to support all their children financially as needed.

Candice attributes Teddy’s modelling success to his confidence and ability to follow direction during shoots. His work, primarily with high-street clothing and footwear brands, typically involves two to four afternoon shoots monthly in London, minimizing disruption to his schooling. The family has worked to maintain a balance between his modelling commitments and education, with the support of his school noted by Candice. She also emphasizes the importance of a supportive family structure, as her husband Paul, managing director of an accident repair centre, assists with shoots when her schedule conflicts with Teddy’s work.

Child modelling can be financially rewarding, with fees for shoots generally ranging from £400 to £550 before agency commissions, which are typically around 25 percent. Contracts allow for shoots lasting up to eight hours, although Teddy’s sessions generally last between one and four hours. Payment is made into Teddy’s personal bank account to safeguard the funds.

The child modelling industry in the UK includes approximately 20 specialist agencies. Parents interested in pursuing modelling for their children usually submit applications with photos and personal details such as age and height. Agencies assess factors such as confidence, enthusiasm, and ability to adapt to the camera when choosing talent. While some agencies may charge fees, industry professionals advise parents to be cautious of any that guarantee work or pressure for payments, recommending transparency and proper credentials as key indicators of reputable agencies.

The industry remains controversial due to concerns over the potential psychological impact on children, particularly regarding body image and the pressures of sustained rejection. Critics also highlight potential risks such as long working hours, missed schooling, and the misuse of children’s images online. Research from the University of Southampton points to the broader risks associated with posting children’s images on social media, including harassment, cyberbullying, and identity theft.

In response to concerns about children’s online safety, the government recently announced a ban on social media use for those under 16, covering major platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. Candice has opted to keep Teddy’s Instagram account private after encountering negative comments, limiting access to family and friends for his protection.

Despite the challenges, Candice says Teddy enjoys modelling and the experience has taught him valuable lessons about resilience and handling rejection. She acknowledges the importance of safeguarding her son’s wellbeing and remains positive about the opportunities his career has provided.