Why is "child labor" allowed in the entertainment industry?

"Why is child labor allowed in the entertainment industry? They are also out to make money, so why is the labor law ignored?"

This question was raised by my young man during dinner.

Before this, we seemed to have never considered this issue, so we were all stunned and felt a bit sudden. At the same time, we were relieved that the child could ask this question. After all, although he is 1.8 meters tall, Now that he is a big man, my young man usually behaves as innocently as a child.

Why? Is it a professional requirement? But no matter what kind of occupation, there is a company, an unit, and a salary. What is the difference between it and an enterprise? Why is it illegal for companies to employ child labor, but the entertainment industry is trying to squeeze in without breaking the law?

In order to answer questions and clear up doubts, I searched specifically, and the general idea is: "Because artists need to be trained from an early age and have to go through a lot of hardships to become talented, so minors entering the entertainment industry are not considered child labor."

However, do all children who enter the entertainment industry really do it for art?

If you look at the industry, there are really a lot of "child laborers" who perform acupuncture. Except for those who act in TV and movies, the children in many talent shows are getting younger and younger. Once they have some potential, they will be rejected by their families. People lead various business performances and make money in various ways.

Someone once told a "joke" and asked the children what will they do when they grow up?

“Become an Internet celebrity!”

While having fun, I feel so heartbroken. Today, when entertainment is paramount, what have our children been exposed to since they were young?

Children who ask for likes from their relatives on TikTok, children who secretly film their mothers taking a bath, children who don’t study and go around doing things for profit. When did our children’s outlook on life become like this?

Okay, I seem to be a little off topic, stop it.

Since "child labor" is allowed in the industry, supervision in this area should be strengthened. Those who should study should still study. Once those children in kindergartens or primary schools are unearthed, they are immediately packaged. It’s a money-making machine, with all kinds of performances emerging one after another. Is it really for the children? I beg to differ.

Every child has the right to enjoy the country’s nine-year compulsory education, and every family has the obligation to comply. Just because your baby has some talent, you can’t give up schooling and focus on making money.

Has the sensational "Little Ma Yun" not sounded the alarm to us loud enough?

In an age where entertainment is paramount, we still hope that everyone can focus on their children’s academics, rather than so-called “artistic” specialties and short-term interests.

2021.2.9