After a reporter asked 12-year-old Kanye Avendaño whether he would join adult-themed platform Vivamax (VMX) once he has grown, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) released a statement emphasizing that a child performer’s rights as a child must not be undermined by their role in the limelight.
The council said questions directed at child performers should always remain appropriate for their age and maturity, and that a child’s participation in show business must “never come at the expense of their dignity, safety, and well-being.”
“A child’s role as a performer must never overshadow their rights as a child,” CWC Undersecretary and Executive Director V Angelo Tapales said.
“Being in the public eye does not make them any less deserving of respect, protection, and age-appropriate treatment. We call on media practitioners and entertainment professionals to exercise greater sensitivity and responsibility in their engagements with young performers,” he urged.
“Every question asked and every platform provided should uphold a child’s dignity, protect their well-being, and respect their best interests. The responsibility to protect children does not end when the cameras start rolling,” he added.
The CWC reminded entertainment reporters as well as content creators and event organizers to observe their Guide for Media Practitioners on the Reporting and Coverage of Children.
This guide upholds “ethical and child-sensitive reporting” that prioritizes children’s rights, dignity, privacy, and best interests, which should be taken into account not only in news coverages, but also in film promotions, press conferences or online interviews, and social media content featuring minors, the CWC wrote.
“Responsible media engagement does not limit meaningful conversations; it ensures that these conversations respect the rights and developmental needs of children,” the council said in its statement.
“Children’s dignity is not a matter of discretion. It is a responsibility. Every media platform that features a child has an opportunity to model respect, promote responsible communication, and help build a culture where children are valued beyond their public image or professional role,” it concluded.
During a press conference for the film “Guryon,” a member of the press asked Avendaño, a minor, if he would join Vivamax in the future. His co-star, former child actor Zaijian Jaranilla, quickly came to his defense, reminding the press that Avendaño is underage and to refrain from such questions.
