A month before it goes on the air, and CBS’ newest reality show, Kid Nation, is already the subject of controversy over the issue of child labor laws and child endangerment.
The LA Times reports Janis Miles, the mother of a 12-year-old girl who was burned in the face while cooking, filed a complaint in June in Georgia, where she lives. She has asked for an investigation into “abusive acts to minors and possible violations of child labor laws.” Her complaint was forwarded to Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano, who on July 20 posted an item on his department blog revealing Miles’ claims and stating he had found no criminal wrongdoing related to the production.
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“These kids were in good hands and under good care with procedures and safety structures that arguably rival or surpass any school or camp in the country,” the CBS statement read.
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The children did receive $5,000 stipends, and they competed for $20,000 gold stars in each episode.
(CBS legal counsel) Anschell, however, said the stipend and rewards are not considered wages for work because, “It’s a stipend for participating in the show. It’s not tied to specific output or tasks.”
Anyone who considered allowing their kids to do this had to know what they were getting themselves into. Despite the potential for money/fame, it’s not summer camp, and just as if they were at home, accidents may happen, which in this case they did to a handful of the kids (with nobody being seriously injured). That being said, as much as this show is billed as being about kids surviving on their own, these kids have more adult supervision than anyone they know.
I’m finding it hard to believe that CBS would intentionally break laws like this just for the sake of producing this show. At the end of the day, this is similar to the race tribes on Survivor, which I thought worked out fine but was blown out of proportion before anyone really knew what was happening. CBS is ultimately just getting massive amounts of free publicity, which should only help to enhance the ratings.
What do you think? Has CBS gone too far, or is this much ado about nothing?
I think the mother of the child that got hurt is getting greedy, wonder if mom knows the quote her daughter put on her bio about what she would change if she could, it had to do with hatred and greed. Looks to me like mom got greedy, we were told she got upset and the end of the show because her daughter didnt get a gold star. why didnt she have her daughter come home when she got burned. I will tell you why mom was looking at the money
I agree with you there. The mom saw a big fat paycheck from a lawsuit. Problem is CBS’ contract is probably so airtight after years of running reality shows that suing them is just a waste of time and money.
I had loved this show! I think it was a very valuable experience for these kids! Its sad that their was so much controversy. Thanks for posting!