How Long Can a 12-Year-Old Be on Set?

By Webmaster

  • How Long Can a 12-Year-Old Be on Set?

    Understanding Child Labor Laws and Safety in the Entertainment Industry

    (By Carmichael Phillips)


    Introduction

    When it comes to child actors, one of the most important aspects of their work environment is how long they are allowed to be on set. Child labor laws in the entertainment industry are in place to protect young performers, ensuring that their work hours are regulated for their safety and well-being. But what exactly are the rules, and how do they differ depending on the age of the child actor? In this article, we will explore how long a 12-year-old can be on set, examining legal limits, industry practices, and real-world examples from the entertainment industry.

    The Legal Framework for Child Actors

    In the United States, child labor laws are governed by federal and state regulations, with each state having specific rules regarding the hours minors can work. The primary federal law that governs child labor in the entertainment industry is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), but there are additional regulations specific to actors, such as the California Child Actor’s Bill.

    For a 12-year-old actor, these laws are particularly strict due to the need to balance education, health, and rest. According to the FLSA, children under the age of 16 can only work a limited number of hours per day and per week. The exact limits depend on whether the child is working on a school day or a non-school day, and whether the work is on location or in a studio.

    In California, where many films and TV shows are made, the California Labor Code applies. Under these laws, 12-year-old child actors have specific limitations:

    • On a school day, they can work a maximum of 4 hours.

    • On a non-school day, they can work up to 8 hours.

    • A 12-year-old actor is also prohibited from working more than 6 days in a week.

    These hours ensure that the child’s education is not neglected and that they are not overworked. The rules are designed to prevent fatigue, stress, and other health risks.

    The Role of the Set Teacher

    In addition to work hour limitations, a set teacher (often called a studio teacher) is mandated by law to be present whenever a minor is working on set. The role of the set teacher is to ensure that the child is receiving an appropriate education during the day, as well as to monitor their well-being. The teacher is responsible for ensuring that the child is not overworked and that the time spent on set does not interfere with their academic progress.

    For example, in many states, children under the age of 16 must continue their schooling during their time on set. This means that in the case of a 12-year-old actor, they would typically have to do a portion of their schoolwork during breaks in shooting. If a child is working for long hours, the set teacher ensures that the work schedule complies with educational requirements, and they can intervene if the child appears to be exhausted or stressed.

    Practical Examples from Hollywood

    Let’s take a look at a few real-world examples of how child actors work under these regulations.

    One well-known example is the filming of the hit TV show Stranger Things, which features several young actors, including Millie Bobby Brown, who was around 12 years old when she began filming. According to reports, the child actors on the show typically work for only a few hours a day, and they are never on set for long periods of time. Their work schedules are strictly monitored to make sure they have ample time for schoolwork, play, and rest.

    In contrast, the 2017 film The Florida Project, which also featured child actors, is another example of how child labor laws are put into practice. The young actors, including Brooklynn Prince, who was 6 years old at the time, had their work hours strictly controlled by the studio’s set teachers, ensuring that they were given enough rest and time to engage in educational activities.

    Industry veterans like casting director Angela Demo note the importance of following these rules: “I’ve seen first-hand how the regulations surrounding child actors have evolved. There’s a huge difference between the way kids worked in Hollywood during the 1930s and the way they are cared for today. The key is ensuring that they have the right balance of work and downtime.”

    Balancing Work and Play

    One of the critical aspects of a 12-year-old being on set is that the work environment must allow for a healthy work-life balance. In the entertainment industry, there’s a growing awareness of the importance of maintaining a child actor’s well-being. This includes scheduling regular breaks, ensuring they are not subjected to long hours, and providing opportunities for play and socialization with their peers.

    Child psychologists often stress that the mental and emotional health of young performers must come first. As child development expert Dr. Lisa L. Scherzer explains, “While acting can be a rewarding and enriching experience for a child, it’s essential that they are not placed under undue pressure or stress. Time off the set is just as important as time spent acting.”

    For a 12-year-old, it’s crucial that their time on set does not overshadow their time spent engaging in other normal childhood activities, such as spending time with family, friends, and enjoying recreational activities. This helps prevent burnout and fosters a healthy, well-rounded individual.

    How Long Can a 12-Year-Old Be on Set?

    Based on the above regulations and industry practices, a 12-year-old child actor can typically work up to 8 hours on a non-school day and 4 hours on a school day. However, these hours are not just about ensuring compliance with the law—they are also designed to make sure that the child is getting the proper rest, education, and time for other activities.

    During a typical workday, there may also be additional restrictions, such as limiting the number of hours the child can work consecutively before needing a break. For example, it is common for a 12-year-old on set to take regular breaks to rest and eat, with a longer lunch break in the middle of the day.

    For the child’s safety, there are also laws ensuring that the set environment is child-friendly. This includes limiting dangerous scenes, ensuring proper supervision, and providing on-set amenities like comfortable rest areas for young performers.

    Conclusion

    When a 12-year-old is working on set, there are strict laws and regulations in place to ensure their safety, well-being, and proper education. These rules not only protect children from overwork but also ensure they have time for other important aspects of their lives, such as school and recreation. By balancing the demands of the set with the needs of the child, the entertainment industry can provide a positive and fulfilling experience for young actors.

    With the ongoing efforts to improve working conditions for child actors, the future looks brighter for young performers who can pursue their passion while also being protected from the pressures that come with a career in entertainment.

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • What Commercial is Actress Gabrielle Dennis In?

    What Commercial is Actress Gabrielle Dennis In? An exploration of Gabrielle Dennis’s notable commercial appearances and career highlights (By Javier Guerra) Gabrielle Dennis: A Rising Star in Acting and Commercials Gabrielle Dennis is…

    Who are the actors in the Progressive Watch Party commercial?

    Who are the actors in the Progressive Watch Party commercial? Unveiling the cast behind the popular Progressive Watch Party campaign (By Javier Guerra) Introduction: The Rising Popularity of the Progressive Watch Party Commercial…

    Who is Tatiana Schwartz from the NewDay commercial?

    Who is Tatiana Schwartz from the NewDay commercial? Exploring the woman behind the face of NewDay’s inspiring advertising (By Javier Guerra) Introducing Tatiana Schwartz: The NewDay Commercial Star Tatiana Schwartz has become a…

    Who is the Actress in the Breathe Right Commercial?

    Who is the Actress in the Breathe Right Commercial? Exploring the career and background of the captivating woman behind the iconic Breathe Right ad campaign. (By Javier Guerra) Introduction: The Face Behind the…

    Who is Mindy Sterling, the Actress in the Empower Commercial?

    Who is Mindy Sterling, the Actress in the Empower Commercial? A look at the dynamic character actress whose comedic timing and bold persona continue to captivate audiences across generations. (By Javier Guerra) Mindy…

  • Ad

  • Who are the actresses in the Breztri commercials?

    Who are the actresses in the Breztri commercials?   Unmasking the Women Behind the Breathing Breakthroughs   (By Javier Guerra) The Rise of Breztri Aerosphere and Its Real-World Marketing Strategy Breztri Aerosphere, an…

    Who is Stacey Englehart in the Brand Power commercials

    Who is Stacey Englehart in the Brand Power commercials   The Familiar Voice Behind the Brand Power Movement   (By Javier Guerra) The Face and Voice Behind Trustworthy Product Information If you’ve ever…

    Did Raegan Revord do commercials?

    Did Raegan Revord do commercials?   Exploring the Young Star’s Journey from Commercials to Television Fame   (By Javier Guerra) Raegan Revord: The Early Spark of a Star Raegan Revord, widely known for…

  • Ad

  • Does Scarlett Johansson Do Commercials?

    Does Scarlett Johansson Do Commercials? Exploring Scarlet’s role beyond the silver screen (By Javier Guerra)* From Hollywood to Brand Campaigns Scarlett Johansson’s fame extends well beyond her acclaimed acting career—she’s been a recognizable…

    Who is the Redhead in the Old Navy?

    Who is the Redhead in the Old Navy? (By Javier Guerra) A Face You Can’t Forget Old Navy has a knack for picking models who resonate—and one bright-redhead has turned heads across billboards…

    Who is the Blonde Girl in the Old Navy Commercials?

    Who is the Blonde Girl in the Old Navy Commercials? Uncovering the Identity of the Cheerful Face Behind the Fashion Retail Giant (By Javier Guerra) The Familiar Face of Old Navy: Why Viewers…

    Who is the actress in the My Way commercial?

    Who is the actress in the My Way commercial? **Discovering the talent behind the heartfelt My Way ad campaign** (By Javier Guerra) Introduction: The Impact of the My Way Commercial The “My Way”…

    Who is the actress in the Homes.com commercial?

    Who is the actress in the Homes.com commercial? **Unveiling the talent behind Homes.com’s memorable advertising campaign** (By Javier Guerra) Introduction: The Rising Popularity of Homes.com Commercials Homes.com, a leading real estate platform, has…

  • Ad

  • Who is the actress in the iPhone 16 ad?

    Who is the actress in the iPhone 16 ad? **Unveiling the talent behind Apple’s latest marketing campaign** (By Javier Guerra) Introduction: The Buzz Around the iPhone 16 Ad Apple’s iPhone ads have long…

    Who is the actress in the Trust and Will commercial?

    Who is the actress in the Trust and Will commercial? **Uncovering the identity behind the face of a trusted estate planning brand** (By Javier Guerra) Introduction to Trust and Will’s Marketing Campaign Trust…

    Does Julia Garner do commercials?

    Does Julia Garner do commercials? **Exploring the Emmy-winning actress’s ventures beyond film and TV** (By Javier Guerra) Julia Garner: From Indie Darling to Commercial Appeal Julia Garner, best known for her award-winning portrayal…

  • Ad

  • Who is the blonde lady that does the Discover commercial?

    Who is the blonde lady that does the Discover commercial? (By Javier Guerra) Discover Card commercials have become familiar to millions of viewers, thanks in part to their engaging storylines and memorable actors….

    Who are the actors in the Priceline commercial?

    Who are the actors in the Priceline commercial? (By Javier Guerra) Priceline commercials have long been known for their humor, memorable characters, and the iconic “Name Your Own Price” concept that revolutionized travel…

    Who is the actress in the BMO gnomes?

    Who is the actress in the BMO gnomes? (By Javier Guerra) BMO, one of Canada’s largest banks, gained widespread attention with its quirky and charming “Gnomes” commercial campaign. The ad features whimsical garden…

    What actress is in the Nespresso commercial?

    What actress is in the Nespresso commercial? (By Javier Guerra) Introduction Nespresso’s latest cinematic commercial shares the screen with some of Hollywood’s most recognizable names—George Clooney, Camille Cottin, Kim Go Eun—and prominently, Eva Longoria,…

    Who’s in the hotels.com commercial?

    Who’s in the hotels.com commercial? Exploring the faces behind the iconic travel ads (By Javier Guerra) Captain Obvious: The Unmistakable Face of Hotels.com Hotels.com has long stood out in the travel advertisement world,…

  • Ad