Child and teen modeling, with a guardian in charge
It can be a fun, rewarding experience when handled wisely: the guardian consents, supervises and attends, and the child's wellbeing and schooling come before any job.
The ground rule: a guardian at every step
Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian's consent before signing up and before every job. The guardian creates and manages the account, receives and answers messages, approves the details and attends the shoot.
Any client who tries to contact a minor directly, or asks for the guardian to step aside, should be reported immediately.
Safety and trust policiesStart for the right reasons
The best experiences start with the child's own interest: they enjoy the camera and like to move and express themselves. If they're hesitant or upset, don't push; the opportunities will still be there when they're ready.
- Ask your child how they felt after each experience.
- Keep it fun, not a source of pressure.
- Never tie your child's worth to bookings or selections.
Simple, natural photos for children
Children don't need professional shoots. Clear daylight photos taken by a parent, with no make-up or editing, are all that's needed. Update them every few months, since children's looks change quickly.
Avoid anything in the photos that reveals the school, the neighbourhood or where you live.
School first, work second
Choose jobs that don't clash with school or exams, and avoid long shoots on school days. Agree on hours, breaks and meals in advance; a tired child doesn't enjoy it or give their best.
Firm rules on set
If you feel any of these rules isn't being respected, stop the shoot, leave and then report the client.
- The guardian stays with the child at all times, without exception.
- The child is never left alone with any crew member.
- Changing clothes only happens with the guardian present.
- Looks are always age-appropriate.
- The child can say ‘no’ or ask for a break.
Contracts, pay and image rights
The guardian reviews and signs the contract. Pay special attention to usage rights for the child's images: where they'll appear and for how long. Prefer fixed periods over open-ended use, because childhood photos can stay online for a long time.
It's a good idea to set aside part of the child's earnings for them, so they see their effort building something for their future.
Teens: staying safe online
Teens aged 13 to 17 are more active on social media and more likely to get messages from people claiming to be ‘talent scouts’. Teach your son or daughter that genuine opportunities come through the guardian and the platform, never through private messages.
- Keep the teen's personal accounts private.
- Review work-related messages together.
- Never share their location or school in a post.
In-depth guides for every stage
- How to become a model The core steps from setting your goal to your first paid job.
- A beginner's guide to Saudi Arabia How the local market works, where the work is and what clients expect.
- A portfolio that wins clients Which photos you need, how many, and how to order them.
- Posing for photos Simple drills for natural, comfortable poses on camera.
- Commercial modeling Ads, catalogues and events: the widest, most varied way into the work.
- Modest fashion and abayas How to showcase garments professionally, from abayas to thobe and shemagh.
Frequently asked questions
The guardian alone: they create the account, talk to clients, approve each job and attend every shoot.
It's always best for the guardian to attend in person. If that's not possible, the companion must be an adult the guardian has explicitly authorised, and the client must know in advance.
Not for profile photos. On a shoot, any styling should be light, age-appropriate and approved by the guardian.
The child shouldn't reply. The guardian keeps the message and reports the sender through the platform straight away. Genuine clients always contact the guardian.
A safe experience starts with an informed guardian
Create and manage your child's account yourself, and choose work that suits their age and schedule.