The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has released new guidelines for children under 15 who work in entertainment and media. The advisory requires permits and parental responsibility to protect minors in film, theater, radio, TV, online content, and other media.
Under Republic Act 9231, children below 15 cannot be employed unless they work directly under their parents or legal guardians, with only family members involved, or if their role is essential in public entertainment or information. Employers must secure a DOLE work permit before hiring children for these activities.
The rules apply to traditional media such as TV, radio, cinema, theater, and print, as well as online platforms including streaming, social media, vlogs, digital ads, podcasts, and web series.
The advisory also clarifies that audiovisual content under the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, like films, shows, vlogs, and educational media, falls under this scope.
If a child is hired for content creation, a working child permit is required under Department Circular No. 2, Series of 2018. Parents or guardians remain accountable when children work under their supervision in entertainment or media.
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DOLE’s move sets clear rules on permits, scope of media, and parental accountability. More enforcement and monitoring are expected to ensure children in entertainment are legally protected.
