Underage Models To Gain Greater Protection

Underage models may soon gain increased protection in the United States after a bill laying out federal expectations for their treatment has made its way to Congress. The Child Performers Protection Act of 2015, brought by Representative Grace Meng of New York, will seek to "limit the number of hours that children may be employed as actors, performers, and models," to nine hours per day - along with other key stipulations.

The bill would require each child model to hold a blocked trust account where at least 15 per cent of their earnings could be deposited before they were able to accept work, and would prevent the account from being accessed by either the model whilst they were under 18, or by the child's parents. Payment in "trade" - or clothes in the case of the fashion industry - instead of money would be banned. There would also be increased federal protection for models against sexual harassment.

"Working as a child model or actor can be an incredible opportunity and lead to success for a lifetime," Meng told The New York Times. "However, the work can come with much risk. Although there are a patchwork of disparate state laws, these regulations offer inconsistent protections. That's why we need a national standard."

The bill is likely to be considered for a lengthy period before any action can be taken by Congress: "But at least this highlights the problem," Meng added. "When you bring it to people's attention, they are very concerned."