The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has reminded parents and guardians to ensure the protection of children below 15 years old who participate in public entertainment or information activities, including work involving film, theater, radio, television, and digital media platforms.
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino issued Labor Advisory 12, Series of 2026, reiterating the need to safeguard the welfare, safety, and rights of child participants in line with existing child protection laws.
Under Republic Act No. 9231, or the law strengthening protection for working children and eliminating the worst forms of child labor, children below 15 years old are generally prohibited from employment except in specific situations.
These include cases where the child works directly under the sole responsibility of a parent or legal guardian and only family members are involved, or when the child’s participation in public entertainment or information is essential.
The DOLE said employers must first secure a work permit from the department before engaging children covered by the law.
Public entertainment or information activities include artistic, literary, and cultural performances for television shows, radio programs, films, theater productions, commercial advertisements, public relations campaigns, print materials, internet content, and other media platforms.
The department said the coverage depends on the nature of the child’s work and the platform where the content is distributed.
This includes traditional media such as television, radio, cinema, theater, and print, as well as online platforms including streaming services, social media, vlogs, digital advertisements, web series, and other emerging media.
The DOLE also noted that the term “other forms of media” under RA 9231 and its implementing rules covers audiovisual content recognized under Republic Act No. 11904, or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act.
This includes recorded and live audio and audiovisual materials distributed through television, radio, cable, satellite broadcasts, digital streaming platforms, cinemas, films, television programs, animated productions, podcasts, recorded music, and educational or entertainment content.
For children engaged in content creation, the DOLE said a working child permit is required if the child or activity falls under the coverage of Department Circular No. 2, Series of 2018, which provides guidelines for issuing work permits for children below 15 years old involved in public entertainment or information.
The department added that when a child participates in public entertainment or information activities directly under the supervision and responsibility of a parent or legal guardian, the parent or guardian remains accountable under RA 9231 and its implementing rules.
The DOLE said the advisory aims to ensure that children involved in media and creative activities are protected from exploitation while allowing participation in industries covered by the law.
Photo courtesy of ABC News
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