Sweeping changes to TV code of practice exposes children to inappropriate content.

Where are the safeguards now for children who watch television in Australia? What can parents do to protect their children as unsuitable programs, promos and trailers continue to ambush their choices of family programs?

Television programs rated M will air an hour earlier, from 7.30pm, and the child-friendly G-zones before and after school will disappear under changes to the commercial television code in Australia from 1 December, 2017.

The complete elimination of G-classified programming under the new code, written by the commercial TV industry and approved by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), means children will no longer be able to watch television unsupervised.

The changes will allow stronger depictions of violence, more detailed references to sexual activity and more course language to be aired during peak family viewing time.

Films or programs rated MA15+ because of violence or sex scenes will be allowed to go out on all commercial free-to-air channels from 8.30pm (previously 9pm), and the AV classification for extreme adult violence will be dropped.

During the consultation period the Australian Council on Children and the Media opposed the loss of the G time zones and the extension of the M and MA15+ time zones, saying it would make free-to-air television much less family friendly.

But the arguments in its submission went unheeded. Its chief executive, Barbara Biggins, said the new code would cut into family viewing times. “There will be no time when families can sit down together to enjoy TV, without having to be on guard,” she said.

Where are the safeguards for children who watch television in Australia? What can parents do to protect their children as unsuitable programs, promos and trailers continue to ambush their choices of family programs?

Instal-Life Christian TV is committed to providing the best quality family-friendly, age-appropriate content for your children. Our programming includes positive biblically-sound messages, provides good role models and appeals to children’s diverse interests.

You can rest assured that your children are safeguarded and protected as they explore the wide variety of children’s programs available on Instal-Life Christian TV.

Quality children’s programs include:

• Hillsong Kids (05-Hillsong Channel)
• Cubby House (05-Hillsong Channel)
• Tiny Tots for Jesuswith Linda Johnson (11- 3ABN)
• Kids Timewith Brenda Walsh (11-3ABN)
• Veggie Tales (04-ACC-TV)
• BJ’s Teddy Bear Club and Bible Stories (07 Inspiration TV)
• Animated Stories from the Bible (06 TBN Pacific)
• RocKidsTV (06 TBN Pacific)
• Smile of a Child (Christian programming for young children)
• Juice TV (Youth orientated Christian TV)
• TCT Kids (Children’s programming)