TELEVISION AND CHILDREN

Children in nearly 90 percent of homes in Asia and the Pacific watch two to five hours of television per day. Without a doubt, television plays a significant role in shaping children’s social and emotional development.

Broadcasters from the region attending the Asia–Pacific Television Forum in Seoul in 2001 discussed the role of this influence and pledged to pursue children’s programming that is both of good quality and sensitive to children’s issues. Because of that industry commitment, the ABU and CASBAA teamed with UNICEF to launch a Child Rights Award that honors individual broadcasters’ follow-through on their pledge.

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) turned 20 years old in 2009. It was adopted during the United Nations’ World Summit for Children in which world leaders agreed to recognize and protect the rights of children. The Convention has achieved near-universal acceptance, having now been ratified by over 190 parties – more than belong to the United Nations or have acceded to the Geneva Conventions.

The CRC spells out the basic rights that apply, without discrimination, to all children. In so doing, it defends their right to:
  · survival
  · develop to the fullest
  · protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation
  · participate fully in family, cultural and social lives.

Details on the CRC can be found at www.unicef.org/crc
 
Please consult the ethical guidelines for reporting on children.