It’s been reported today that under new laws aimed at preventing children from being “exploited” on reality TV shows, any performer who’s under 16 years old will need a special license before they can take to the stage.

The move comes after Tim Loughton, the Children’s Minister, stated that the current 40-year-old laws governing children appearing on TV are no longer “fit for purpose”.

So now, any child wanting to audition for shows like BGT must be approved to do so by their local council. The minister hopes the new rules will prevent upsetting scenes such as those witnessed when youngsters Hollie Steel and Malakai Paul cried during their auditions.

The special license will include a “risk assessment” for any child wanting to audition, as well as opinion on the likelihood of causing the child any trauma.

Now, this surely has to be one of THE most ridiculous bits of paper pushing ever invented?

How exactly is a council appointed panel – or person, whatever it turns out to be – going to risk assess how a child will react in front of an audience of thousands and top music industry personalities?

Will the license issuer yell at the child, just to see if he/she breaks down? Will they parade the kids in front of an office full of people and make them perform, just to establish that they won’t get too nervous?

Absolutely and utterly ludicrous. What do you think?