The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has rolled out the second phase of a campaign aimed at encouraging public service vehicles to exhibit child-friendly content.
Tagged KFCB FormNiSafi PSVs Clean Awards, the initiative is a partnership between KFCB and Public Service Vehicle (PSVs).
According to the board’s acting Chief Executive Officer Christopher Wambua, the campaign, which is running for eight consecutive weeks through the KFCB social media platforms, will see members of the public vote for PSV drivers and conductors exhibiting clean content in their vehicles.
“The winning PSV crew in the campaign are being awarded a token of Ksh10,000 and other awards from other partners including PSV Saccos,” Wambua told a media briefing on November 23, 2022.
He further said the campaign is part of their heightened measures on child protection from exposure to harmful content.
Monitor content
Meanwhile, as schools close for the long December holiday, the acting KFCB boss has urged parents, caregivers and guardians to be more vigilant and monitor the content their children will be accessing and consuming on various media platforms and guide them appropriately.
Primary and secondary schools have been closing this week after the end of the third term, with the new education calendar set to begin late in January 2023.
“Children will be home for close to seven weeks. We, therefore, call on parents, caregivers and guardians to be more vigilant and monitor the audio-visual content their children will be consuming on various platforms and guide them appropriately. Protecting children from exposure to inappropriate film and broadcast content is our collective responsibility,” Wambua reiterated.
He also advised parents to make use of the wide parental controls offered on various ICT devices and Video on Demand platforms as well as take a keen interest in the gaming activities and content that their children are exposed to especially on the internet and home gaming consoles or machines.
Gaming
“Where minors ask to be bought games, parents need to pay due attention to ensure purchase games that are age-appropriate for their children,” said the acting KFCB CEO.
Wambua further confirmed that the Board recognizes the need for parents to be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge on how to parent effectively in the digital age, handle tech-savvy children and stay informed on emerging risks.
He noted that the Board in collaboration with relevant partners will soon roll out a Parental Digital Literacy Program (PaDiL).
Unscrupulous Video dens
In the meantime, the CEO indicated that KFCB through its regional officers in collaboration with other agencies will heighten monitoring and inspection to ensure that underage children are not admitted into video dens that are common during the holidays.
He appealed to film exhibitors and distributors to operate their businesses in line with the terms and conditions outlined in their respective licenses and the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222.
“We call upon members of the public and other stakeholders to support our programmes particularly those geared towards protecting children from exposure to inappropriate audio-visual content,” Wambua said.
