Policy on Exposure to Adult Themes

Children (under 15 years) will not be placed in a situation that exposes them to inappropriate behaviour or language for their age level. This includes:

• nudity (genitals, buttocks, and breasts)
• obscenities, ‘adult’ talk (e.g. overtly sexual), smoking of any substance or drinking of alcohol (except as required in the performance following a conversation with the child about the use of adult language, substances or alcohol for dramatic purpose)
• harassment, humiliating or demeaning behaviour
• aggressive, threatening, or uncontrolled behaviour
• inappropriate influence in regard to opinions, beliefs, behaviour, or conduct.

It is important that the production child performers partake in, and the performance required of them, is not overtly dangerous, distressful, or inappropriate in any way, with regard to the child’s age, culture, religion, maturity, emotional or psychological development and sensitivity.

If, due to the dramatic context of a production, children are required to participate in scenes containing potentially distressing, controversial, or negatively influential material or themes, this will be explained during the audition process and Real World Technology Solutions will discuss it with at least one of the child’s parents/carers and seek their consent, prior to accepting the role and commencing the rehearsal process.

All relevant details will be clearly explained to children and parents/carers, and all efforts will be made to minimise a child’s exposure to potentially upsetting material. Appropriate child safe language will be used when discussing the topic with the children. Real World Technology Solutions may also discuss strategies for minimising a child’s exposure to upsetting themes with the relevant regulatory authority for child employment.

This policy was approved on 4 December 2023 and last reviewed on 4 December 2023.