Filed on December 27, 2019 | Last updated on December 28, 2019 at 10.15 am

Airport security footage shows the boy wearing his t-shirt inside out.

A 10-year-old boy was forced to change his t-shirt by South Africa airport authorities as his snake print t-shirt could make fellow passengers anxious.

Stevie Lucas, from New Zealand, was returning home with his family after visiting his grandparents in South Africa. He was told at Johannesburg airport that he should change his t-shirt in order to board the flight.

The boy's parents, Steve and Marga, said security officers at Johannesburg airport told them snake toys and printed clothing was not allowed on board. The officers cited that the print could harm passengers or crew by causing anxiety, Daily Mail quoted local media reports.

Airport security footage shows the boy wearing his t-shirt inside out to hide the large green snake print. Following the incident on December 17, the family emailed the Airports Company of South Africa and was told the it was seeking clarification on the reason for the clothing rule.

The airport replied: 'Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Note that we asked for a more extensive reason for the clothing rules and restrictions. We will give you feedback as soon as we receive it'.