Children's Commissioner concerned over TV programmes

The Commissioner for Children has expressed concern at the negative impact of a number of local television programmes portraying children in a harmful or inappropriate manner.

The commissioner said in a statement that a number of programmes encouraged children to participate in age inappropriate behaviour. Other series exploited the vulnerability of certain sectors of the child population with an ensuing negative impact on their well being.

"My office has received numerous complaints relating to this issue demanding the withdrawal of certain programmes and a more sensitive conscience in the production and/or promotion of others.

"It would appear that not all parents are equally aware of the repercussions which the encouragement of precocious behaviour may have on their children. Furthermore, not all producers are attuned to the impact their choice of subject matter may have on vulnerable adolescents," commissioner Carmen Zammit said.

The commissioner called on the authorities concerned and all who had children’s best interests at heart to take immediate action in addressing this situation.