What are the Entertainment Laws Regarding Children in the USA?

Question from Kel, What are the Entertainment Laws Regarding Children in the USA?

Answer from AI:

In the United States, there are specific laws and regulations in place to protect children who work in the entertainment industry. These laws vary by state, but they generally aim to ensure the safety, well-being, and education of child performers.

Federal Regulations

At the federal level, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the minimum age for employment, hours of work, and wage standards. However, the FLSA has exceptions for child actors and performers, allowing them to work at any age, for any number of hours, under certain conditions.

State Regulations

Each state has its own laws regarding child performers. These laws often include:

• Work Permits: Many states require child performers to have a work permit. The process for obtaining a permit varies by state.
• Education Requirements: States often require that child performers receive a certain amount of education. This can be provided on-set or through a tutor.
• Trust Accounts: Some states require a portion of a child performer’s earnings to be placed in a trust account, also known as a Coogan account, until they reach adulthood.
• Working Hours: States often limit the number of hours a child can work in a day, and these limits usually vary by age.

Child Performer Laws by State

For example, in California, which has a large entertainment industry, the state’s child labor laws are quite comprehensive. They include restrictions on working hours, mandatory studio teachers, and Coogan Law requirements. New York, another state with a significant entertainment industry, also has stringent laws, including mandatory trust accounts and education requirements.

Legal Advice

If you or your child are involved in the entertainment industry, it’s important to understand the laws that apply to you. This can be complex, as the laws vary by state and even by the type of performance. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult with a legal professional who specializes in entertainment law for personalized advice.

For more information, you can visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Child Labor Requirements page or the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Young Performers Handbook.

Please note that this information is intended to provide a general overview and may not include all relevant laws and regulations. Always consult with a legal professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.