Background Information

TELEVISION AND CHILDREN

Children in nearly 90 per cent of homes in the Asia-Pacific region watch an average of 2–5 hours of television per day; in some countries, they watch as much as 20 hours per week. 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 top 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 recognizes broadcasters’ efforts to produce superior programming and better news coverage of children’s issues.

RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

In 2007, the Convention on the Rights of Children turned 18. It was adopted in 1989 at the World Summit for Children where world leaders meeting at the United Nations agreed to recognize and protect the human rights of children. The Convention, known as the CRC, which has since been ratified by every country but two, is a critical instrument in determining how the world should act towards children. 

The Convention 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
• To participate fully in family, cultural and social lives.

Although the CRC comes of age this year, its provisions have yet to reach every child. 

Details on the Convention on the Rights of the Child can be found at www.unicef.org/crc.


A WORLD FIT FOR CHILDREN

The CRC has promised all children a world where they have opportunity to flourish. But as the world progresses, the development and well being of millions of children remain at a slow pace. 

Every individual, organization and government needs to be encouraged and inspired to invest in honouring that promise by doing all they can for and with children. 

Broadcasters also play a key role in helping the world’s obligation to all children to be fulfilled and promoting a world truly fit for them to survive and thrive.