THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major move to prevent any kind of assaults - sexual and verbal - against children taking part in reality shows, the State Information and Public Relations Department has come out with a set of guidelines to be followed while casting children in such shows.
Reality show judges should not make comments that would have an adverse impact on children’s morale.
The guidelines were issued following a slew of complaints regarding the conduct of reality shows in vernacular television channels.
“The concerned should have to ensure that children do not face any kind of sexual assaults. Also, they should ensure during shooting breaks the children have a favourable atmosphere for studies. They should keep in mind a child contestant’s studies should not have a continuous break of more than 10 days,” said the circular.
The other recommendations include providing sufficient food to contestants, ensuring the presence of parents during shooting, not challenging the morale of children during the elimination round, making sure the children are being provided with appropriate costumes and others.
“The State Child Rights Commission received several complaints regarding the conduct of reality shows. It was following this we came out with a circular of this kind,” said an officer with I and PRD. According to the department, the implementation of the said circular rests with respective District Collectors and District Labour Officers.