Philippines requires work permits for children under 15 in monetised social media content

The Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has extended child labour protections to monetised social media content, requiring work permits for children below 15 who appear in vlogs, livestreams, podcasts and other paid digital content.

DOLE Secretary Francis N. Tolentino said the measure is intended to prevent the exploitation of children and ensure that their participation in digital content does not come at the expense of their education, health and welfare.

The requirement is set out in Labor Advisory No. 12, Series of 2026 (LA 12-26), issued on 31 July. The advisory expands existing protections under Republic Act No. 9231, or the Anti-Child Labor Law, to digital platforms.

Under the rules, children below 15 who are employed or featured for work in monetised social media content must obtain a DOLE work permit. The requirement also covers situations where a child’s essential artistic, cultural or entertainment performance is used in a vlog or other digital content.

The advisory limits covered children to four hours of work a day and 20 hours a week, and prohibits them from working beyond 10 p.m.

Tolentino said the restrictions are intended to prevent children from being made to work excessive hours, particularly where digital content generates income for others.

The advisory provides limited exemptions, including certain children working in a family enterprise where family members are involved in producing the vlog, subject to existing child labour law requirements.

It also distinguishes cases where a child’s participation in an artistic, cultural or entertainment activity is essential to the production.

The rules also address the financial exploitation of child performers. Under existing regulations, only 20% of a child’s earnings may be allocated for family use, while the remaining 80% must be placed in savings or a trust fund for the child’s education, health needs or future use.

Tolentino said the financial safeguards are intended to ensure that income generated through a child’s work is primarily protected for the child.

Applications for work permits must be filed with the appropriate DOLE Regional Office, which will assess applications against prescribed standards and guidelines.

Employers who engage children covered by the requirement without a valid permit could face sanctions, including fines, imprisonment and possible closure of the establishment, as provided under applicable law.

DOLE said the advisory does not establish a new child labour standard. Instead, it updates existing rules governing children's employment in traditional media and extends their coverage to digital platforms.

The move comes as monetised content on platforms such as vlogs, livestreams and online endorsements creates new ways for children to participate in commercial entertainment.

Tolentino said the measure is ultimately intended to ensure that children can participate in such activities without compromising their education, health or welfare.

“The labour advisory provides protection for children, so they can continue their education and be protected,” he said.

The measure forms part of the Marcos Jr. administration’s broader approach to child protection and the holistic development of children.