DoLE enforces child labor laws on young socmed vloggers

The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) issued a reminder to parents, guardians and media employers to follow strict protection rules for children under 15 years old involved in public entertainment or news activities, including online content creation and social media vlogging.

Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino issued Labor Advisory No. 12 to enforce the welfare, safety and legal rights of working children under Republic Act 9231, also known as the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labor and Affording Stronger Protection for the Working Child Act.

Under the law, children under 15 generally cannot be employed unless they work under the direct responsibility of their parents or legal guardians alongside family members, or if their participation in public entertainment or information is essential.

In both instances, employers must secure a work permit from the labor department before hiring a child, according to the advisory.

The agency clarified that public entertainment rules cover both traditional media — such as television, radio, film, theater and print — and digital platforms, including social media, streaming services, vlogs, web series and podcasts.

Labor officials stressed that children featured in online content creation fall under these requirements.