Programmes with harmful content for children

Programmes with harmful content for children

Television programmes that are harmful to children must not be broadcast on television at times of day when children normally watch television. There must be a warning of such programmes prior to the start of the broadcasting or alternatively, a sign indicating that the programme is harmful for children must be shown all through the broadcasting.

Television programmes that excite horror or whose violent or sexual content, or similar, may contribute negatively to children's development, must be broadcast at a time when children do not normally watch television.

On the basis of a survey from 2004, television operators renewed their practices on the placing of programmes that are harmful for children and how they warn of them in advance.

Television operators must not broadcast

• programmes that are harmful for children under 11 years of age before 5 p.m. on weekdays;
• programmes that are harmful for children under 13 years of age before 7 p.m. on weekdays;
• programmes that are harmful for children under 15 years of age before 9 p.m.;
• programmes that are harmful for children under 18 years of age before 11 p.m.;
  

In addition, programmes with pornographic content must be broadcast after 12 pm. The agreement is applicable to all Finnish television channels.

FICORA regularly monitors whether the placement of programmes is functioning.

Child lock for digital set-top boxes

You can also protect your children from harmful content by making use of technology. Digital set-top boxes allow the restriction of a specific channel through password. Turn to the reseller or instructions to find out how the child lock works.

Prevention of harmful website content

Internet operators and producers of antivirus software provide services and programmes you can use to prevent your children from accessing websites containing harmful material.