character and plot.
18.4 Animated programming for children, while accepted as a stylised form of story-telling
which can contain non-realistic violence, shall not have violence as its central theme, and
shall not invite dangerous imitation.
18.5 Programming for children shall with due care deal with themes which could threatens
their sense of security, when portraying, for example, domestic conflict, death, crime or the
use of drugs.
18.6 Programming for children shall with due care deal with themes which could invite
children to imitate acts which they see on screen or hear about, such as the use of plastic
bags as toys, use of matches, the use of dangerous household products as playthings, or
other dangerous physical acts.
18.7 Programming for children shall not contain realistic scenes of violence which create
the impression that violence is the preferred or only method to resolve conflict between
individuals.
18.8 Programming for children shall not contain realistic scenes of violence which minimise
or gloss over the effect of violent acts. Any realistic depictions of violence shall portray, in
human terms, the consequences of that violence to its victims and its perpetrators.
18.9 Programming for children shall not contain frightening or otherwise excessive special
effects not required by the story line.
WATERSHED PERIOD
19.

Programming on television which contains scenes of violence, sexually explicit conduct
and/or offensive language intended for adult audiences shall not be broadcast before the
watershed period.

20.

On the basis that there is a likelihood of older children forming part of the audience during
the watershed period, licensees shall adhere to the provisions of Article 32 below (audience
advisories) enabling parents to make an informed decision as to the suitability of the
programming for their family members.

21.

Promotional material and music videos which contain scenes of violence, sexually explicit
conduct and/or offensive language intended for adult audiences shall not be broadcast
before the watershed period.

22.

Some programmes broadcast outside the watershed period will not be suitable for very
young children. Licensees should provide sufficient information, in terms of regular
scheduling patterns or on-air advice, to assist parents to make appropriate viewing choices.

23.

Licensees shall be aware that with the advance of the watershed period progressively less
suitable (i.e. more adult) material may be shown and it may be that a programme will be
acceptable for example at 23h00 that would not be suitable at 21h00.

24.

Broadcasters must be particularly sensitive to the likelihood that programmes which start
during the watershed period and which run beyond it may then be viewed by children.

25.

Subscription services

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