THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) clarified that children below 15 years old need a work permit before appearing on television programs, advertisements, social media content, and other forms of public entertainment or information.
The clarification was made through Labor Advisory No. 12, series of 2026, signed by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino on July 31, which underscores that Republic Act (RA) 9231 or the law protecting working children also applies to digital platforms where children create or appear in content.
DOLE said the advisory clarifies that RA 9231 applies not only to traditional forms of entertainment but also to digital platforms where children participate in content creation.
The department said “public entertainment or information” includes artistic, literary and cultural performances distributed through television, radio, cinema, theater, print and the internet.
It also covers streaming platforms, social media, vlogs, digital advertisements, web series, podcasts, educational content and other emerging forms of media.
Under RA 9231, children below 15 years old are generally prohibited from working. The law allows exceptions when a child works directly under the sole responsibility of a parent or legal guardian and only family members are employed, or when the child’s participation in public entertainment or information is indispensable.
In both cases, a working child permit must first be secured from DOLE before the child can be engaged.
The department also explained that children below 15 who participate in content creation for online posting may be required to obtain a working child permit if the child or the activity falls within the coverage of existing guidelines on working children.
DOLE said parents or legal guardians are responsible for ensuring that children below 15 engaged in public entertainment or information comply with the requirements of RA 9231 and its implementing rules.
Employers, advertisers, production companies, and other responsible parties must also comply with safeguards under the law, including the prohibition against the worst forms of child labor, restrictions on children’s participation in certain advertisements, limits on working hours, rules governing a working child’s income, and measures protecting the child’s access to education, training, health care, and other essential services.
DOLE also urged the public to report suspected violations of RA 9231 and its implementing rules to the department or other authorities for investigation and appropriate action.