Children working in entertainment

remetau · #1 (**permalink**) 12-21-2010

Just a small pet peeve of mine, but why do we allow the entertainment industry to use children in film, tv, and commercials?

I think it is the commercials that get me the most. Using children to promote products? How come this isn’t against child labor laws?

AboardIndigo · #2 (**permalink**) 12-21-2010

I've always wondered myself and came to the conclusion that it's one of those exceptions to the rules (like why do we let children play football sponsored by local business, act in plays sponsored by regional government, etc.).

QuickMick · #3 (**permalink**) 12-21-2010

im sure some parent had to consent... i wonder if there is any stipulation that the monies garnered have to be held in trust for the child, or the the folks can spend it?

RAGNAR · #4 (**permalink**) 12-21-2010

Parents consent, the state sets strict rules regarding hours/day. days/week, and what happens to the cash (usually put in escrow.)

The reason "we" allow it is because they're not our kids. So long as the children aren't abused physically in the process the state has no say.

And remember that though there's room for less that ideal parental misconduct, by banning kids from working, we'd be stifling the kids that are broadening their horizons in this way.

RAGNAR · #5 (**permalink**) 12-21-2010

Parents consent, the state sets strict rules regarding hours/day. days/week, and what happens to the cash (usually put in escrow.)

The reason "we" allow it is because they're not our kids. So long as the children aren't abused physically in the process the state has no say.

And remember that though there's room for less than ideal parental conduct, by banning all kids from working we'd be stifling the kids that are broadening their horizons in this way.

jrd22 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-21-2010

There are very strict laws governing child labor. Some would say too strict, to the point of making it all but impossible for a kid to be able to work legally at an after school or summer job. My sons were not able to get jobs at the same age that I started working because of the child labor laws. Not saying it's bad, just that it seems too inflexible in many cases.