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Wanted: TV shows that are actually educational
Experts are urging television stations to broadcast educational programs, such as guides on protecting themselves from crime, instead of exploiting the children to create sensational news
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xperts are urging television stations to broadcast educational programs, such as guides on protecting themselves from crime, instead of exploiting the children to create sensational news.
"Most TV shows that discuss crimes against children are very vulgar," Nina Mutmainnah Armando, a member of the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission's supervisory team, said Thursday.
"For instance, they present detailed re-enactments of children being sexually molested, using child models.
"This kind of show psychologically harms both the children who perform the re-enactment and those who view the show," added Nina, who is also an activist for the Children Media Development Foundation, an institution aimed at protecting children from negative TV programming.
She said it was difficult to find quality educational programs teaching children self-defence.
Psychologist Kasandra Putranto said children could learn about the real world through TV programs.
"Children must also know there are kidnappers, pedophiles and other criminals out there," she said.
The mother of three added that quality TV programming should teach children how to fight back or run away if they face danger, and how to not get tricked into tricked committing crimes.
"Children must not be taught to act violently, but they must know how to protect themselves," she said.
Nina said parents should always try to accompany their children when watching TV.
"In many cases, even shows classified as children's shows are actually inappropriate for them," she said.
Only 15 of the current 44 children's shows on TV are safe for children to view unsupervised, says the foundation. Another 19 can only be viewed with parental supervision.
The remaining 10 are deemed inappropriate for children, the foundation says, pointing out the shows contain violence, mysticism, pornography and strong language.
"Most of the inappropriate shows are Japanese animations," Nina said.
She added most parents believed non-live-action programming safe for viewing by children.
"But there are popular animations like Crayon Shinchan and Naruto that must not be viewed by children," she said.
"Even in Japan, these animations are categorized as adult shows."
Kasandra said TV shows had had a tremendous psychological impact on children.
"Some children who committed suicide learned how to do it from TV shows," she said, adding many children who committed crimes such as robbery, drug abuse and even homicide were likely encouraged by TV shows.
"To a lesser degree, many children who imitate sinetron *soap opera* scenes speak and act rudely toward their parents," Kasandra said.
"They watch such behavior daily on TV and assume it's normal."
Nina added shows that portrayed luxury and a glamorous lifestyle were also bad influences.
"These shows indoctrinate children that living in luxury is a must, despite the fact most Indonesians can't afford such lavish lifestyles," she said.
"But I believe TV stations can make more quality shows. There are people out there who are hungry for shows that both entertain and educate the viewers." (mrs)
