Safe Environment for Children, A: Qualitative and Quantitative Findings

Section 319 (1) of the Communications Act 2003 in the United Kingdom requires the Office of Communications (Ofcom) to set a Code which contains standards for the content of television and radio services. This document presents research that aims to assist in the consideration of points raised by a public consultation on the Ofcom Broadcasting Code. Previous research had identified concern from viewers about the extent to which television was providing a safe viewing environment for children. In addition, there was wider viewer concern about the suitability of some pre-watershed content for children. This research explores attitudes to pre-watershed viewing in the context of other types of potential media influences on children and young people. It is not meant to be used to create strict rules about when and how content can be broadcast, but rather aims to indicate issues that broadcasters may need to consider in scheduling content and in deciding whether to broadcast information about content. Ofcom conducted two pieces of audience research, one qualitative and one quantitative, during the summer of 2004.

Both research projects focused on the following key questions:

• Which media are of most concern in terms of their influence on children?
• Is pre-watershed television programming a particular concern?
• Are soap operas of particular concern and if so why?
• Which age-group is seen as most vulnerable?
• Who ought to be responsible for what children see?

Topics include -

Part 1: Qualitative research

• Introduction
• Detailed summary
• The context of a safe environment
• The influence of soap operas
• Attitudes to regulation

Part 2: Quantitative research

• Introduction
• Which media are of most concern?
• Which age of children are felt to be at risk?
• Levels of concern about pre-watershed content
• Types of concern about pre-watershed content
• Opinions about the purpose of soap operas
• Views on who should be responsible
• Parental control over children’s viewing