'High School Musical' Star Poses Nude, Loses Some Fans

Sept. 7, 2007 — -- Fans of Vanessa Hudgens, "High School Musical's" popular teen actress, may be singing a different tune after a naked photograph of the starlet was leaked on the Internet.

The photograph, which shows the 18-year-old posing nude in a bedroom, is provoking some younger fans to reconsider their loyalty to the actress, and has parents wondering how to explain to their kids that their favorite television personality isn't as innocent as they'd once thought.

Robin Daniels, whose 11-year-old daughter, Jessica, has all the "High School Musical" clothes, notebooks and CDs, said that she decided to tell her daughter about the controversial photograph before she heard about it from her friends.

"Her jaw just hit the floor," said Daniels, who runs a cheerleading gym in Parker, Colo. "I just told her that everyone makes bad choices and mistakes sometimes."

"I'm sad and disappointed," said Jessica, who told ABCNEWS.com that she was surprised Hudgens had he photograph taken because her character on the show is known as the good girl. "I will think about the show and her character a little differently now."

Hudgens' character in the movies, Gabriella Montez, is known for being a math and science genius, according to the show's Web site, and she is also the love interest of teen heartthrob Zac Efron. Hudgens and Efron are believed to be dating in real life, too.

"This was a photo which was taken privately," said a statement from Hudgens' spokeswoman. "It is a personal matter, and it is unfortunate that it has become public."

Fallen Role Models Can Teach Kids a Lesson

Instances like Hudgens' naked photograph, as well as the predicaments headline regulars like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton often find themselves in, can provide good opportunities for parents to talk to their kids about making smart decisions, experts told ABCNEWS.com.

"Use it as a discussion point," said Karen Zager, a psychologist who specializes in parenting and adolescents. "You want [these instances] to empower kids to make good choices for themselves, and you want to turn it into a learning experience, not something to be snickered or laughed about."

Zager suggests parents encourage discussion about these topics, and instead of just telling your kids that these stars made mistakes, let your kids voice their own opinions.

"I would tell parents to say, 'I'm not sure why [Hudgens posed nude]. Do you have any ideas why she would do something like this?'" said Zager. "See what your kids say."

Reminding children that Hollywood stars aren't perfect is also an important lesson.

"We have to help explain the world to our children and that good people do things that aren't so terrific," said Ann Rosen Spector, a clinical psychologist and adjunct faculty member in the department of psychiatry at Rutgers University. "And people who are good singers and actresses aren't necessarily people who you want to rely on to be your friend."

Talk to Kids About Nudity, Too

While talking to children about the dangers of taking naked pictures and the risks that come with using the Internet is imperative, psychologists said that children should also know that nude photographs aren't always bad.

"You don't want to give them the message that there is something wrong with your body, but you do want them to understand that things can be misused," said Zager. "A kitchen knife is a usual kitchen utensil, but it can be misused to stab someone. There's nothing wrong with the knife; it's what you do with it."

"This is a case more about the danger of the Internet than that the girl is doing anything wrong," said Vivian Wolsk, a clinical psychologist. "You have to teach kids about staying private, but even if someone wanted to take a picture of themselves naked, why wouldn't it be OK? The issue is whose hands is it in and where you are doing it."

Young, Impressionable Fans 'Shocked'

"I was really surprised [about Vanessa's photo]," said Jacqueline Haskell, a 12-year-old who said she has had "High School Musical" parties with her friends. "I've always thought of Vanessa as the good girl, and I never expected her to do anything like this. It bothers me. I don't get why stars change just to be in the public eye."

Jacqueline's mother, Debra Haskell, said that despite the photograph, she will still allow her daughter to watch the movies.

"High School Musical" is still substantially better than other things on television," said Haskell, who told ABC News that her daughter's obsession with "High School Musical" led her to get a similar hair style as one of the cast members. "She knows there are things people shouldn't do in life. Once she finds out that they do these things, she doesn't think of them as idols anymore."

Jessica, whose No. 1 idol on the show is Efron, said that she isn't pleased he may be dating Hudgens in real life, especially now that she posed nude.

"If [Efron] is happy with [Hudgens] then OK, but I don't think she's the right person for him," said Jacqueline. "He should be with me."