France

[FR] Strict CSA Deliberation against Programmes for Young Children

IRIS 2008-9:1/14

Aurélie Courtinat

On the basis of an opinion delivered on 16 April 2008 by the Ministry of Health on the impact of television channels on very young children, the Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel (national audiovisual regulatory authority – CSA), in compliance with the mission to protect children and adolescents conferred on it by Articles 1 and 15 of the Act of 30 September 1986, delivered a deliberation on 22 July 2008 aimed at protecting children under the age of three years from the effects of television.

Two experts’ reports were the inspiration for the scientific opinion of the Ministry of Health against broadcasting by channels specifically for children under the age of three years, and recommending that the companies commercialising programmes directed at young children should not be able to claim the existence of benefits for the health or development of the child that are not proven scientifically, and indeed advising against children under the age of three years watching television altogether.

Taking its inspiration from this strict opinion, the CSA has therefore called on the television channels to inform viewers of the harmful consequences television has on their children. It advocates the regular broadcasting of a warning message not only on the screen but also on any communication medium available, in the general terms and conditions of sale and in the contracts for subscribing to an offer including a channel specifically designed for children under the age of three years. As the CSA does not approve of this type of service, it does not merely prohibit the promotion of unproven virtues in terms of health, upbringing and education, but also organises an awareness campaign each year alerting the public to these dangers, with a particular reminder that no television programme is suitable for very young children and that all may be disturbing to a child’s development. The CSA is anxious that its deliberation will be implemented properly and observed, and will examine each year the report to be submitted to it by the editors and distributors of these services.