Classifications and Standards in Children's Television Programmes, 1990
Download PDF:
Classifications and Standards in Children’s Television Programmes PDF2.23 MB
Date published: October 1990
Researcher/Author: Jan Hardie
Scope
- Explores the need for a P classification for pre-schoolers, C for primary children and YA for young adults
- Examines whether 8:30pm “watershed” still appropriate
Methodology
- Literature review from Australia, the United States, Japan and Britain
- Consultation with the Children’s Media Watch and The Children’s Television Foundation
Results
- No strong demand for a specific preschool label for programmes designed for children under five years of age
- Real concern arises with 5–12 years old children
- No strong support for a YA (young adult) classification
- “Watershed” time is usually 8:30pm or 9:00pm after which programmes shown are deemed designed for adults rather than for children or family audiences
- Uncertainty about the “watershed” time and many did not know what time it actually is
- Responsibility for what children watch on television shared between parents, caregivers, teachers and the broadcasters
- The concept of C classification be discussed with broadcasters and criteria for such classification be developed