Beijing: Reality shows with celebrity children are no longer allowed to be produced and broadcast on TV, said a circular released by Chinese media regulator.

The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) announced the ban, saying reality shows must be "strictly controlled", Xinhua news agency reported.

Some TV stations have already cancelled programmes starring celebrities and their children, including the popular "Dad! Where Are We Going?" and "Dad Came Back".

SAPPRFT statistics revealed that in 2015 more than 100 entertainment programmes were broadcast on TV nationwide, many of which were reality shows featuring children, generating over 10 billion yuan ($1.55 billion) in advertising revenue.

In July 2015, the SAPPRFT issued a similar document limiting the participation of minors for their protection.