Parents and guardians have been urged to closely monitor the content their children watch on social media to safeguard them against exposure to harmful content.
The Kenya Film Classification Board, (KFCB) said it is imperative that parents, guardians, caregivers, and other stakeholders remain vigilant to ensure that the content their children are exposed to on television, social media platforms, and other broadcast channels during the school holiday does not corrupt their morals.
KFCB North Rift Regional Manager Emmanuel Mbutu also advised that it was important for parents to appropriately guide the children on media content to safeguard their welfare.
“This will help safeguard children from being exposed to harmful film and broadcast content, immoral behavior, and adult experiences especially now they are home for the holiday,” said Mbutu.
He observed that some content the children are exposed to on various media platforms contained violence, sex, obscenity, and nudity.
“Children are also exposed to content promoting the use of prohibited drugs, and other substance abuse, crime promotion, foul language, radicalisation, propaganda for war, hate speech and incitement that may influence children negatively,” said the regional manager.
“We, therefore, call upon parents, guardians, caregivers, the media, PSVs’ content creators, distributors, and exhibitors as well as artists to act responsibly and professionally in safeguarding the welfare of children, and preventing corruption of their moral values,” said Mbutu.
At the same time, the board put on notice public service vehicles (PSV) fitted with LCD screens that stern action would be taken against them if found exhibiting explicit musical content to their passengers who may include children.
“PSVs’ fitted with LCD screens must register with the board and ensure they only exhibit acceptable content as per the film and stage plays Act,” Mbutu advised.
Mbutu said officers from the board will closely monitor PSVs fitted with LCD screens to ensure they strictly adhere to the law, adding that those found violating the rules will face legal action,” he warned.
According to the Film and Stage plays Act Cap 222, section 12(1) no person shall exhibit any film at an exhibition to which the public are admitted unless they are registered as exhibitors and issued with a certificate, he reminded.
Mbutu added that those violating the law risk a fine of not more than Sh100, 000 or imprisonment of not more than five years, or both.
The Regional Manager also cautioned video gaming joints to desist from exposing children to graphic and violent and other offensive content.
“Protecting the children from exposure to harmful film and other media content is a concerted social responsibility so that the future of our children is safeguarded,” added Mbutu.
By Kiptanui Cherono
