Censorship Board Malawi has appealed to parents and guardians to protect their children from harmful media content in the wake of technological advancements.
Deputy Director of Arts (responsible for censorship) at the Board, Anganile Nthakomwa, noted with concern that despite conducting inspections, children continue to be exposed to unpalatable content like pornographic pictures both at home and at video showrooms.
On this note, Nthakomwa urged parents and guardians to safeguard what their children consume on television and mobile phones, whilst local leaders like chiefs, religious leaders and the Police, among others, must see to it that children are not patronising events that are beyond their age.
She warned of legal repercussions to anyone contravening the Censorship and Control of Entertainment Act.
Programme Support Manager of Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) in Chiradzulu, Sewenthe Chipofya, said apart from the 116 child helpline, they are engaging parents, teachers, children (in and out of schools) and video show operators, on the dangers of online sexual abuse and exploitation.
Chipofya observed the need for stakeholders to mainstream child abuse issues in their programmes to protect the children from such harm.
Meanwhile, Chiradzulu Police Officer-in-Charge, Henry Kalungu, reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the rights of children by arresting all video show operators who beam harmful content like pornographic and violent visuals to children.
By Chrissie Mainjeni, Chiradzulu
