Sophie Turner has expressed serious concerns about the impact of social media on young actors entering the entertainment industry. The 29-year-old actress, who rose to fame at the age of 13 as Sansa Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones, worries that the toxic environment of online platforms poses significant challenges for child stars today.
In a recent interview with Flaunt magazine, Turner reflected on her own experiences and offered advice to younger actors, particularly those involved in upcoming projects like the new Harry Potter series. She stated, “I look at the kids who are about to be in the new Harry Potter and I just want to give them a hug and say, ‘Look, it’s going to be okay but don’t go anywhere near social media.'”
Turner emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong support system. “Stay friends with your home friends, keep living at home with your family, make sure your parents are your chaperones,” she advised. She believes that having a solid grounding is crucial for young performers navigating the pressures of fame.
Reflecting on her own journey, Turner shared that as social media became more prominent after Game of Thrones premiered in 2011, her confidence suffered. “I think social media was just really becoming a big thing after I started on Game of Thrones, so I got a couple of years of peace and quiet and then I had to adjust,” she explained. “It had such a profound impact on my mental health, like more than I could tell you. It almost destroyed me on numerous occasions.”
As a protective measure, Turner has made a firm decision regarding her daughters, Willa, aged five, and Delphine, aged three, from her former marriage to Joe Jonas. She stated, “Oh God, they’re not acting! Not until they’re at least 25!” This stance highlights her commitment to shielding her children from the pressures of the industry until they are older.
Turner is set to appear alongside her Game of Thrones co-star Kit Harington in the upcoming film The Dreadful, a project that she hopes will inspire meaningful conversations. “I do like to make things that people can walk away from and feel able to change something about themselves or feel inspired to do something,” she said. Turner expressed a desire to pursue more unconventional narratives, stating, “I want to do more unusual stories – I want to do more A24-type projects where they’re super unique and very niche.”
In The Dreadful, Turner and Harington portray lovers, a dynamic that initially felt strange to her. “We suddenly went, ‘Oh s***! Why have we committed to playing a couple?'” she recalled. Despite the awkwardness, she noted that they had a “great time” working together. “As ever, he’s the biggest, most uplifting big brother I could ask for, bar my own two real-life brothers,” Turner added, reflecting on their close friendship.
Sophie Turner’s candid remarks shed light on the critical issues facing young actors today and highlight the need for protective measures in an increasingly digital world. As she navigates her own career and motherhood, her insights provide a valuable perspective on the intersection of fame, mental health, and social media.
