Jon & Kate Plus 8

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor has opened an investigation into whether the reality TV series "Jon & Kate Plus 8" violated Pennsylvania's Child Labor Laws. Under Pennsylvania law, it appears that the question is whether the children are performing on a television production set under independent direction or whether their lives are simply being documented. In other words, is it "work" if a reality show has television cameras around and the children are merely living their lives rather than performing? The Learning Channel, which produces the show, claims that it fully complies with state laws and regulations. The result should prove interesting and may have a significant effect on the way reality television shows deal with children in the future.