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http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.2457066.0.UN_condemns_use_of_distressed_children_in_reality_shows.php
UN condemns use of distressed children in reality shows
The United Nations has condemned the use of children in reality TV shows, such as Supernanny, over concerns that filming could harm their rights.
A report on child welfare in the UK concludes a child's appearance may "constitute an unlawful interference with their privacy" and that the media had to act further to protect children in such shows. Other concerns raised by the UN Committee on the Right of the Child were the high number of children in custody in the UK, the extent of child poverty, general intolerance of young people and their negative image in the media.
Supernanny has become a TV phenomenon with central figure Jo Frost credited with improving family life in hundreds of homes through her robust approach to discipline and her focus on communication between parent and child. The show routinely has scenes of hot-tempered and distressed children as Frost examines poor parenting skills.
Committee member Professor Lucy Smith questioned "the terrible light" in which the programme portrayed some children and the potential invasion of privacy during filming.
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Broadcasters yesterday pointed to the strict code of conduct governing children on television.
But the committee recommended that the UK Government "intensify its efforts" with the media to protect the privacy rights of children "especially by avoiding messages publicly exposing them to shame".
A spokeswoman for Channel 4 said yesterday: "Like all responsible broadcasters Channel 4 works within Ofcom guidelines to safeguard the welfare of children in the programmes we broadcast."
Kathleen Marshall, Children's Commissioner for Scotland, welcomed the report.
Ms Marshall said the committee had listened to "many concerns" made by Scots experts in the field of childcare and welfare of young people.
The age of criminal responsibility of just eight also remained an issue of concern, Ms Marshall said.
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http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.2457066.0.UN_condemns_use_of_distressed_children_in_reality_shows.php
UN condemns use of distressed children in reality shows
The United Nations has condemned the use of children in reality TV shows, such as Supernanny, over concerns that filming could harm their rights.
A report on child welfare in the UK concludes a child's appearance may "constitute an unlawful interference with their privacy" and that the media had to act further to protect children in such shows. Other concerns raised by the UN Committee on the Right of the Child were the high number of children in custody in the UK, the extent of child poverty, general intolerance of young people and their negative image in the media.
Supernanny has become a TV phenomenon with central figure Jo Frost credited with improving family life in hundreds of homes through her robust approach to discipline and her focus on communication between parent and child. The show routinely has scenes of hot-tempered and distressed children as Frost examines poor parenting skills.
Committee member Professor Lucy Smith questioned "the terrible light" in which the programme portrayed some children and the potential invasion of privacy during filming.
advertisement
Broadcasters yesterday pointed to the strict code of conduct governing children on television.
But the committee recommended that the UK Government "intensify its efforts" with the media to protect the privacy rights of children "especially by avoiding messages publicly exposing them to shame".
A spokeswoman for Channel 4 said yesterday: "Like all responsible broadcasters Channel 4 works within Ofcom guidelines to safeguard the welfare of children in the programmes we broadcast."
Kathleen Marshall, Children's Commissioner for Scotland, welcomed the report.
Ms Marshall said the committee had listened to "many concerns" made by Scots experts in the field of childcare and welfare of young people.
The age of criminal responsibility of just eight also remained an issue of concern, Ms Marshall said.
