Children below 15 years old will be required to obtain a work permit before they can participate in entertainment productions or online content covered by the country’s child labor law, under a new advisory clarifying that the requirement extends to digital platforms.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued Labor Advisory No. 12, Series of 2026, signed by Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino on July 31, clarifying that the work permit requirement under Republic Act No. 9231 applies not only to traditional media but also to content distributed through social media, streaming platforms, and other online channels.

RA 9231 generally prohibits children below 15 from working, except when they work directly under the sole responsibility of a parent or legal guardian and only family members are employed, or when their participation in public entertainment or information is essential. 

Meanwhile, in both cases, a DOLE work permit must be secured before the child can be engaged.

The advisory states that “public entertainment or information” covers artistic, literary, and cultural performances and productions distributed through television, radio, cinema, theater, print, the internet, and digital platforms such as streaming services, social media, vlogs, digital advertisements, web series, podcasts, educational content, and other emerging forms of media.

It also states that children below 15 who create content for online posting may require a working child permit if the child or the activity falls within the coverage of the department’s existing guidelines on working children.

Parents or legal guardians are responsible for ensuring that children below 15 engaged in public entertainment or information comply with RA 9231 and its implementing rules.

Employers and other responsible parties must also comply with the law’s safeguards, including the prohibition of the worst forms of child labor, restrictions on children’s participation in certain advertisements, limits on working hours, rules governing a working child’s income, and measures protecting the child’s access to education, training, and other essential services.

DOLE said the advisory was issued to clarify the application of RA 9231 to digital platforms where children create or appear in content.

The department urged the public to report suspected violations of RA 9231 and its implementing rules to DOLE or other appropriate authorities for investigation and appropriate action.

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