Strict licences governing the appearance of children on the stage and screen are likely to be relaxed in light of a new independent report.<\/p>\n
Child appearances in performances are covered by the 1963 Children and Young Persons Act, which was created before Ofcom and when there was only three channels on the television.<\/p>\n
It rules that a licence is required for children performing up to four days in a six month period and children under 14 can not be granted a licence unless they are acting or dancing in a ballet or musical role.<\/p>\n
As the nature of television programmes in particular has evolved over time, along with child protection and safeguarding, a re-assessment was necessary.<\/p>\n
Former chair of the Royal Television Society and Ofcom advisor Sarah Thane, has been carrying out a review of child performances and regulations between December 2009 and February 2010, consulting with industry professionals and representatives.<\/p>\n
In her report she makes recommendations to bring legislation up-to-date, including freeing up amateur dramatics from licensing to allow children more opportunity to perform in local productions.<\/p>\n
Bans on children under the age of 14 years in performances should also be lifted and replaced with more age appropriate protection.<\/p>\n
Sarah Thane said: \u201c Everyone I met with an interest in this issue impressed me with their willingness to engage. I found striking levels of consensus around what needs to be changed to overcome the frustrations caused by the current system.<\/p>\n
“I hope that everyone involved in this area, including parents, and of course children who wish to perform, find their aspirations and concerns have been properly taken on board\u201d<\/p>\n
Children’s Secretary Ed Balls is pleased with the proposals put forward by the report believing they will strike the right balance between child protection and the benefits of performance.<\/p>\n
He said: “It is important we celebrate the talents of young people and continue to enjoy their inspiring performances in shows like Oliver and in programmes like Britain’s Got Talent.<\/p>\n
“It is right that children are given the opportunity to develop their creativity, talent and confidence and young people should continue aspiring to perform. As a society we can also learn from careful and sensitive insight into children’s lives given by films and documentaries, and children learn from programmes like Blue Peter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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