While there are many childhood celebrities that have seamlessly transitioned into adulthood, they are outnumbered by those who crashed and burned. It seems that more often than not when a star reaches their late teens to mid-twenties they are given freedom that networks would have denied them in their childhood. It seems that now more than ever child stars are becoming messes rather than successes.

Popular networks, such as Disney and Nickelodeon, often put restrictions on the behavior of their actors. This ensures that the child stars will represent the morals and values displayed in their shows. When the actors become older, they no longer fit the mold that has been created for them, and are dropped from their contracts. This is usually the time we see their fall from grace. The most recent example of this transition would be Miley Cyrus. The former Disney star has changed outrageously, in the last few months to defy the Hannah Montana persona that she is most known for. Cyrus became quite the controversy after her infamous performance with Robin Thicke at MTV’s Video Music Awards in late August. While many observers may think that she has gone off the deep end, it might just be a well thought out marketing strategy; after all, everyone can’t seem to stop talking about the pop star.

Another pop star, Canada native Justin Bieber, has recently run into some trouble. The 19 year-old is facing serious charges in both the United States and Canada. Bieber kicked off 2014 by being pulled over for drag racing and driving under the influence in Miami, and allegedly assaulting a limo driver in Toronto. It seems that the attention and success has gone to his head. The ability to get whatever he wants whenever he wants tainted his “boy next door” image. On March 6, 2014, Bieber was reluctant to answer any questions at his deposition for punching a bodyguard last year. Recently, TMZ released the video, which showed Bieber’s combative attitude toward the lawyers and court reporters. A clip from the four hour deposition shows the singer leaning back on the chair and going to sleep. He continues to taunt the lawyer, calling him Katie Couric. This is just the latest installment in the downfall of Justin Bieber. Earlier in the year, a petition to deport him and revoke his green card gained hundreds of thousands signatures. However his diehard fans flock to Twitter and other social media websites to defend his outrageous behavior.

Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus are two of the many child stars that have gone off the deep end. The pressure of fame and all that comes with growing up in the limelight has claimed the careers of many child actors. There’s not an exact reason why transitioning into adulthood causes celebrities to have a public meltdown or two. It’s almost impossible to predict who will succeed and who will crash and burn.