Children's Television Viewing

HL Deb 28 January 2002 vol 631 c19WA

Lord Northbourne

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether parents should be responsible for the television viewing of their children; and, if so, what action they are taking to establish whether or not their present policy of relying on the nine o'clock "watershed" is effective in enabling parents to control the viewing of children who have television in their bedroom. [HL2375]

Baroness Blackstone

Under the current broadcasting arrangements material unsuitable for children must not be transmitted at times when large numbers of children may be expected to be watching. Responsibility for children's television viewing after the 9.00 pm watershed applying to free-to-air channels may be expected to be a shared responsibility between parents and broadcasters. Research by the broadcasting regulators indicates that the concept of the 9.00 pm watershed is widely supported by the viewing public and, just as importantly, widely understood.