Jobs for 14 year olds are pretty hard to come by, which is why modelling at this age can be even trickier to turn into a career. At the age of 14, you’re still a child in the eyes of the law, which means that there are a fair few restrictions which must be imposed on you. It’s illegal for employers – including modelling agencies – to ignore these strict rules on jobs for 14 year olds.

The Law on Jobs for 14 Year Olds (And Other Minors)

If you’re looking to start work as a model, you’ll need a few things. Namely:

• A parent or guardian MUST accompany you to every single meeting or photoshoot. Please don’t feel embarrassed (we know it can seem a little awkward), but it is the law. Jobs for 14 year olds can be daunting, and in the long run, you’ll learn to appreciate having someone there to support you and fight your corner!

• Child models MUST have a licence from the local council if they’re working in modelling. This is because there are a lot of restrictions on the hours that a child may legally work, and sometimes this clashes with modelling requirements. To be granted one, your council will put your health, happiness and safety first. Criteria includes whether the job will affect aspects of your life (such as your education) or whether your school and/or parents give you content to miss classes and other age-appropriate activities.

Do You Have a Licence?

• If you go abroad to model (lucky you!), you must also have a ‘children performing abroad’ licence. This applies to all performance jobs for 14 year olds in this field.

• The Protection Of Children Act 1978 protects children from being featured in indecent images. This means that there are certain codes of conduct that anyone giving modelling jobs to 14 year olds must adhere to. For example, no nudist images, bare breasts or child pornography can be distributed. You do NOT have to pose scantily clad, and indeed this is illegal. You can report anyone who even asks you to do this. It’s not just about discomfort; it’s a breach in the law.

Banned from the Catwalk

• There are current talks about banning under 16s from the catwalk. Ten years ago, they tried to do this but were unsuccessful. There are arguments that a teen body is not representative of the women’s clothing brands that teen models so often represent. The industry has to be careful not to promote unrealistic or unhealthy body image. You should not be asked to lose weight for a job as a minor, but please be wary, as unfortunately this does happen.
• Any good modelling agency will ask for your age as well as identification before you can work with them. This means that there’s absolutely no point in lying! The laws are there to protect you.

Jobs for 14 year olds should only be taken with extreme consideration. You have the rest of your life to work! However, they’re a great way to start your career and get you experience in the modelling field. Your youthful looks will be looked upon favourably, you’ll meet great people, and you’ll have fun!