Rehab: not just for grownups anymore? Yesterday, Demi Lovato, the 18-year-old Disney Channel darling (and a Leo), cancelled her tour with the Jonas Brothers. She entered treatment for “emotional and physical issues.” According to People.com, a family friend cites disordered eating and even cutting/self-injuring. From her early teen years, "[Lovato] definitely had body-image issues. She was always conscious of her weight."

Child stars gone astray is hardly a new phenom (two words: Drew Barrymore). But has the pressure gone up on performing kids?

Since glamorous Neptune entered Aquarius (ruler of TV and the Internet) in 1998, the media has stoked our illusions of beauty, power and fame. We’ve become a celebrity-addicted culture like never before. And of course, adults aren’t immune to the tabloid- and paparazzi-fueled craze that we’re all hooked on. Portia DeRossi just released “Unbearable Lightness,” a memoir of her own eating-disordered days on “Ally McBeal” (at her low point, she dipped to a life-threatening 82 pounds).

Neptune is the planet of illusions and escape—but it also has strong healing powers. It will remain in Aquarius until April 2011. Between now and then, we’re sounding the call for some media literacy. In other words, let’s teach the public—especially kids—how to dissect and understand the many graphic and digitally enhanced media images that flash before their eyes. With iPads, cell phones and computers a staple of so many households, kids need more tools than ever to digest the “media diet” they’re taking in. Neptune’s energy can make us passive, but we can’t afford to simply consume these messages without questioning them.

The average American supposedly views more than 600 ads a day—and with a child star like Miley Cyrus caving to pressure to “sex up” her post-Hannah Montana image, no surprise the likes of an 18-year-old Disney star ends up checking into a treatment center.

Celebrity culture is here to stay—at least, for some time to come.  In some ways, it’s good that Neptune has brought this out into the open. Turn on any VH-1 or E! “Where are they now?” special, and it’s hard to find a well-adjusted child star, from “Brady Bunch” alums to Lindsay Lohan to long-forgotten folks who turn up on shows like “Celebrity Fit Club” or “The Surreal Life.” And yes, it’s fun to watch.

Will Demi Lovato adopt the outspoken traits of her Leo Sun sign and champion healthy body image? With Jupiter and Uranus in her private eighth house (which rules therapy, addictions and psychological treatment) for the next couple of months, it’s a smart time for recovery. Here’s hoping the cute-and-curvy star pierces the Neptunian veil of illusion and realizes that true glamour comes from charisma and confidence.  

Photo: Getty Images