I&B Ministry Cautions TV Channels on ‘Indecent’ Portrayal of Kids
No programme should be carried on TV which denigrates children, the statement said.
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has caught notice of TV channels portraying children in ‘suggestive and age-inappropriate’ manner in dance reality shows. A number of shows like Super Dancer, Dance India Dance Little Masters and India’s Best Dramebaaz attempt to show children in adult-like light.
In an official advisory to all private satellite channels, the ministry said, “These moves are often suggestive and age-inappropriate. Such acts may also have distressing impact on children, impacting them at a young and impressionable age.” It read, “All private satellite TV channels are expected to abide by the provisions contained in Programme and Advertising Codes prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and rules framed.”
In an attempt to make the performances better and more visually appealing, the producers and choreographers tend to choose topics too serious or too bold for the children’s age.
According to the rules under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995, no programme should be carried on TV which denigrates children, and programmes meant for children should not contain any bad language or explicit scenes of violence. The channels have been further advised to exercise maximum restraint, sensitivity and caution while showing such reality shows and programmes, the statement said.
(With inputs from PTI)
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