6E Programmes Involving Under 18s : Media Law

Do not take or show (e.g. include in a programme) an indecent image of someone who is under the age of 18. This is a criminal offence. Merely involving a young person in a photograph or television image that is itself indecent, even where the child's role in it is not e.g. superimposing a child's picture onto an indecent image, is prohibited. If you are unsure whether or not an image involving a minor may be indecent, seek advice from the programme lawyer immediately.
In drama or any reconstruction, where an actor is to be involved in a scene of an explicit sexual nature, the actor must be aged 18 or over, regardless of the age of the character he/she is playing. If in doubt about an actor's age, you must seek independent written verification.
See Chapter 5E, Other Laws Affecting Broadcasting

The identity of Under 18s involved in most legal proceedings is protected by the court - automatically in the Youth Court and by specific order in most other courts. Any reference whatsoever to Under 18s involved in legal proceedings e.g. criminal or family proceedings, must be referred to the programme lawyer as soon as possible for advice.
Where legal restrictions apply prohibiting the identification of minors involved in legal proceedings, programmes must be careful not to publish any material that would directly or indirectly lead to any of those individuals being identified, whatever their involvement in the proceedings.
When covering pre-trial investigations into alleged offences, even where no legal restrictions apply, particular regard must
be paid to the vulnerability of any minor involved before broadcasting his/her
name, address, school or other educational establishment, place of work or any picture of them.
See Chapter 4B, Crime - Court Reporting & Under 18s
See Chapter 5B, Contempt & Reporting Legal Proceedings - ‘Legal Proceedings Involving Under 18s'

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