MultiChoice Malawi urges parental control
Digital Satellite Television (DStv) service providers MultiChoice Malawi have urged parents to safeguard what their children watch by utilising the parental control facilities.
A MultiChoice Malawi statement said that although the parental control mechanism is in place, most parents do not use it, thereby posing a threat on what children are being exposed to.
“As DStv we understand the importance of providing a safe enjoyable entertainment experience for your entire family. That is why we offer comprehensive parental control features, allowing you to customise your viewing experience and ensure your children are exposed to age-appropriate content,” reads the report.
Mzuzu resident Joyce Chirwa in an interview said as parents there is a need to be responsible to control what the children are being exposed to on television.
“You know children are inquisitive in nature and are quick to grab new things, as such, exposing them to negative and rated content will make them try such things; hence, impacting immoral behaviour in them. We should closely control their screen content,” she said.
Social commentator Lucy Mbewe said if children continue being exposed to content beyond their age, the country risks grooming a generation that is irresponsible and immoral.
“For some time now, parents have relaxed on their role to protect their children from harmful content they see whether on television or the Internet, as such, they are giving too much freedom to children to be exposed to inappropriate content,” she said.
Mbewe further said if nothing is done quickly, the future generation will be full of notorious, rude, irresponsible and disrespectful citizens.
According to Child Care Protection and Justice Act of 2010, parents have the responsibility to protect their children from neglect, discrimination, violence, abuse, exploitation, oppression and exposure to physical, mental, social and moral hazards.
Studies by National Institute of Mental Health shows that children who view shows in which violence is realistic, frequently repeated or unpunished, are more likely to imitate what they see in their everyday lives.
A World Health Organisation study showed that children who are exposed to sexual materials are more likely to become sex offenders in future.
