Underage Model Protection Protocol

1Age Eligibility

• Where an IMF-certified agency chooses to represent a model aged 16–17, that representation is subject to the safeguards set out in this Protocol. As a minimum, signed consent from the model's parent or legal guardian must be in place before any professional activity begins.
• The minimum age for representation covered by IMF certification is 16. Where an IMF-certified agency chooses to represent models under 16, such representation falls outside IMF certification scope and is not covered by these protections or oversight.

2Consent Requirements

• A signed Parent/Guardian Consent Form must be captured and retained by the agency prior to any booking. Model ID does not itself broker or record bookings; this obligation is discharged by the certified agency as part of its own IMF certification duties.
• A Chaperone Consent Form must be completed if a guardian or representative is to accompany the model on any assignment involving overnight stays, travel, or sensitive content.
• Guardian contact details and standing permissions must be reviewed annually or when circumstances change.
• Digital consent (e.g., for AI training, digital twins) requires separate, explicit guardian approval.

3Work Limitations

• Models may not be asked to pose nude, semi-nude, or in any sexualized context, regardless of guardian consent.
• They must not be required to work past 10 PM or before 6 AM. With written guardian approval, hours may extend to 11 PM but in no case past midnight or before 6 AM, regardless of guardian consent.
• All modeling jobs must include scheduled breaks and meals. As a minimum: a 15-minute break every 2 hours and a proper meal break every 4 hours. Local labor laws apply where they set higher standards.
• Maximum working hours: 8 hours per day for minor models (aged 16–17), including travel, fittings, and waiting time. Local labor laws apply where they set lower limits.

4Chaperone Requirements

• For assignments involving nudity (of others), or overnight stays, a guardian or designated chaperone must be present.
• Chaperones must be pre-approved by the guardian and vetted by the agency.
• They must not be individuals in direct authority over the model (e.g., primary agent or employer), unless explicitly approved.
• If the chaperone is an agency representative, the agency must be IMF-certified with an approved minor representation policy.

5Accommodation & Travel

• For international stays, parents must receive contact details of the agency, host family, or accommodation provider.
• Models must be housed with others of a similar age and self-identified gender, unless a different arrangement is approved by the guardian.
• Transportation must be arranged or verified by the agency for unreasonable hours (late night or early morning) or upon request from the model or guardian.
• Minors must never be housed with unrelated adults without explicit guardian approval.

6Minor Representation Requirements

• Agencies representing models under 18 must have an approved minor representation policy as part of their IMF certification.
• This includes demonstrating safeguarding training and compliance with this policy.
• Certification renewal requires continued compliance with minor protection standards.

7Non-Sexualized Content Guidelines

The following must be avoided in any assignment involving underage models:

• Lingerie, implied nudity, or provocative attire
• Suggestive or seductive poses (arched back, parted lips, gaze implying sexual invitation)
• Use of props, settings, or narrative themes that mimic adult sexual behavior or relationships

Permissible content includes commercial, fashion, lifestyle, editorial, and age-appropriate promotional campaigns.

8Clarification on Swimwear Work

Swimwear or similar attire may be permitted for underage models (ages 16–17) under strict conditions:

• The imagery must remain non-sexualized as defined by this protocol
• Written guardian consent must be obtained prior to the assignment
• The shoot must align with age-appropriate commercial or fashion industry standards
• Examples: catalog-style swimwear shoots or age-appropriate brand campaigns that prioritize the model's dignity and safety

9Digital Rights & AI Protections

• No AI training data may be collected from underage models without explicit guardian consent.
• Digital twins of minors are prohibited.
• Any digital manipulation of images must be disclosed to the guardian.
• Usage rights for digital content must be time-limited and clearly defined.

10Enforcement

• Violations may result in suspension or permanent removal of IMF certification.
• Guardians and models are encouraged to report misconduct via the IMF complaint mechanism.
• All reports handled confidentially per IMF Safeguarding and Whistleblower Protection Policies.