The UK government is calling on YouTube and other video platforms to promote “high-quality” children’s TV content more prominently.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed concerns that young people are less likely to see educational programs or shows that support emotional and mental wellbeing. This is because more children are watching content online rather than on traditional TV.
Nandy has written to YouTube and similar platforms, as well as to the regulator Ofcom, asking them to increase the visibility of suitable children’s content.
A YouTube spokesperson said the platform provides “safe, age-appropriate online experiences” for kids and teens to help them learn and grow.
However, Nandy, who has a nine-year-old child, said online platforms are not showing a wide enough range of material. She believes this is a problem for families across the UK.
Nandy praised UK-produced children’s TV, saying it helps children understand the world. However, she pointed out that online users often miss these programs because they are not promoted on popular websites.
The government is trying to reach a voluntary agreement with online platforms to improve this situation. Nandy also said the government would take further action if platforms do not cooperate.
She added that while YouTube has allowed many people to start careers from their bedrooms, a balance must be found to ensure children can easily find high-quality content.
Actor Baroness Floella Benjamin, who guest-edited BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, also spoke about the issue. She said television has a big impact on children’s thinking and behavior, but warned that the quality and quantity of children’s TV is decreasing.
She called for more focus on making sure children have access to good entertainment, saying there is a “crisis” in the industry due to children moving to online platforms.
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