Some local TV programmes 'harmful to adolescents'

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

Carmen Zammit said her office had received numerous complaints relating to the issue and she demanded the withdrawal of certain programmes or the adoption of a more sensitive conscience in their production and promotion. She did not mention the programmes by name.

"It would appear that not all parents are equally aware of the repercussions which the encouragement of precocious behaviour may have on their children," she said.

"Furthermore, not all producers are attuned to the impact their choice of subject matter may have on vulnerable adolescents."

Ms Zammit called on the authorities concerned and all those who have their children's best interests at heart to take immediate action to address the situation.

Meanwhile, the Maltese Association of Social Workers has backed the concerns expressed by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services on the series Five06, aired weekly on national television.

Foundation chief executive Joe Gerada recently expressed his discontent at the lack of ethical consideration by the production company towards children. He said the series was portraying negative images of young girls in residential care and of the professionals looking after them.

The association said the programme was increasing the stigma of children in residential care as well as sending negative and discriminatory messages against other groups of society. It showed lack of sensitivity towards people's hardships and poor ethical judgment.