How Long Can a 12-Year-Old Be on Set?
Understanding Child Labor Laws and Safety in the Entertainment Industry
(By Carmichael Phillips)
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:
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On a school day, they can work a maximum of 4 hours.
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On a non-school day, they can work up to 8 hours.
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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.
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