Child TV stars could be at risk

Children participating in TV productions aimed at adult audiences may be potentially problematic, according to Commissioner for the Protection of Children’s Rights Leda Koursoumba as this may be a form of exploitation.

In a statement outlining guidelines for the sensitive topic following TV production crew questions on children’s participation in TV shows, particularly talent shows, she said children’s participation on TV programmes should be primarily aimed at people of their own age group.

When the programme is aimed at an adult audience and children are therefore used to entertain an older audience to boost the number of viewers and consequentially profits, this may be considered a form of exploitation as they are taken advantage of.

“The tone and content of the production… should ensure children’s childishness is protected and they are not called to adopt or mimic role models and certain attitudes such as objectifying their body or viewed sexually in a way that does not coincide with their age or with their identity as children.”

This follows Cyprus’ adoption of the UN Children’s Rights Convention in 1991, she said.

Furthermore, children and their parents should consent to participating in any TV production after receiving adequate information and under conditions where children can voice their opinions, questions, issues and have the right to cease participating at anytime during the production.

Any selection procedure should not be made on the basis of gender, nationality or religion and the production should not create or promote stereotypes or strengthen any divisions between groups of children, Koursoumba said.

“The extent, scope and nature of children’s exposure towards mass media and the potential dangers on their physical, mental and ethical development” need to be evaluated while there needs to be special support to children and their parents enabling them to “better handle any consequences that may occur due to their public exposure.”