Fathers are 'stricter' over TV dangers

The Scotsman, Scotland, UK, By JOHN INNES, September 6, 2005

CHILDREN are less likely to view scenes of sex and violence on television if they are with their father than if they watch with mother, according to new research.

Fathers are stricter about the dangers of being exposed to post-watershed and other adult programming, said a study of families which found most have concerns about the issue.

The research also found single parents impose much stricter controls on what their kids watch than traditional families.

Possible reasons for fathers being more strict are that married mothers may put their children in front of the television unsupervised while they get on with other jobs around the house. Meanwhile, single parents, and fathers in particular, when at home, will spend the time with their children and by doing so will be more aware of what their children are watching.

Fathers are also more likely to know how to set modern "nanny" devices on TVs and PCs which can prevent children from seeing certain material.

The study by digital TV service Homechoice of 1,046 parents of children aged two to 15 years found 45 per cent of fathers refuse to let children watch television unsupervised at all, compared to 38 per cent of mothers.

It also found that 93 per cent of parents are worried children will see sex and violence on TV. More than four in ten believe it is their own responsibility to stop children from seeing such scenes.

But with more channels to choose from and children watching in their rooms or on computers, around one in five parents does not think the 9pm watershed is effective.

Parents would also like more devices to control what children watch, such as a "kids' remote control" that only lets them watch certain channels.

The research comes as the BBC announced a G-certificate rating for adult-themed programmes allowing parents to set controls on PCs preventing these being watched online.

John Carr, technology expert for children's charity NCH, said:

"In the more complex world we live in, service providers and parents both have a responsibility to protect children from unsuitable content that could be available at any time."

The survey also found 82 per cent of parents of children under five have left them unsupervised so they could get on with other duties.