Children employed in the performing arts, advertising and fashion industry: what legal protection do they have?

Med Law. 2009 Sep;28(3):499-517.

Abstract

Ill-treatment can sometimes take on an unfamiliar face. Particularly, this is the case for certain types of child employment. In France, as in most European countries, there are laws for protecting children and guaranteeing their right to schooling. Over and above the frequently observed apprenticeship contracts, obtained by eligible under 16 years, there is also the dispensatory case of children employed in the performing arts, advertising and the fashion industry. In France, legislators take the child's vulnerability into account when developing legislative and regulatory mechanisms, concerning the modalities of his/her professional activity, particularly in artistic fields and in fashion modelling. Since both may employ very young children, or even infants, one essential question ought to be raised: from a legal point of view, are these children sufficiently protected, with regard to the potential physical and psychological consequences of their particular professional activities?

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Welfare / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Employment / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Europe
  • Humans
  • Industry*