Adhere to NCPCR norms on children in TV shows, ads: BCCC

NEW DELHI: The Broadcast Content Complaints Council, a self-regulatory body of non-news television channels, has advised TV channels to strictly adhere to and comply with the guidelines to ?Regulate child participation in TV serials, reality shows and advertisements 2010-2011? issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).

In its 15th meeting on 13 July, the BCCC headed by Justice A P Shah had held wide-ranging discussions on the issue of participation of children in television reality shows and similar programmes.

In its guidelines in October-November last year, NCPCR had among other things said reality shows on television featuring children should not be competition based and no child should be exposed to ridicule, insult or discouragement, harsh comments or any behaviour that could affect his/her emotional health.

In the case of TV shows with abuse, violence, death etc. as the subject matter, where a child can come under stress or there are child actors, producers should ensure that a child psychologist/counselor should be available on call.

In extensive guidelines to regulate child participation in TV serials, reality shows and advertisements issued by the NCPCR and sent to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, it has been stated that no child should be cast in a role or situation that is inappropriate to the child or that may distress him/her or put him/her in embarrassing situations. Consideration has to be given to the child?s age, maturity, emotional or psychological development and sensitivity.

The guidelines say no child should be shown to be imbibing alcohol, smoking or any other substance use or shown to be indulging in any sort of antisocial activity and delinquent behaviour. No child should be engaged in any situation involving nudity (either of the child or another person). No child should be put in distressing situations to obtain a more realistic depiction of an emotional reaction. In programmes based on victims of child abuse, the content should be sensitively handled and the way children are projected should not harm or risk their welfare.

The NCPCR which functions under the Women and Child Development ministry says no child should be made to perform or enact scenes or mouth dialogues that are inappropriate for his/her age or those that may cause him/her distress.

The Child Welfare Committee may monitor production conditions; programme content and other such provisions recommended by NCPCR and keep the Women and Child Development Ministry as well as the Information and Broadcasting Ministry informed on issues related to violation.

Participation of children in scenes depicting violence whether verbal or physical should be avoided.