KFCB orders broadcasters to enforce age restrictions on content as schools close

KFCB orders broadcasters to enforce age restrictions on content as schools close

KFCB said the long school break could expose learners to unsuitable material as they spend more time on television, streaming platforms, social media and online gaming platforms.

Broadcasters, audiovisual content distributors and gaming operators have been ordered to comply with licensing and content classification requirements to ensure children access only age-appropriate material during the October-December long school holiday.

In a notice, the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) said it had stepped up compliance monitoring during the holiday period, urging parents, guardians and caregivers to take an active role in protecting children from inappropriate audiovisual content.

KFCB, a State agency mandated to regulate Kenya’s audiovisual industry, said the long school break could expose learners to unsuitable material as they spend more time on television, streaming platforms, social media and online gaming platforms.

“With learners spending nearly two months away from school, increased screen time and greater exposure to digital platforms may heighten their risk of encountering age-inappropriate content on television, streaming platforms, social media and online gaming platforms,” reads the notice.

The Board has also called on parents and guardians to prioritise children’s safety and well-being by monitoring their media consumption, activating parental controls, setting suitable screen-time limits and ensuring they access content that matches their age.

Parents have been urged to talk to their children about what they watch, listen to and come across online.

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“Beyond the digital space, we urge parents and guardians to remain attentive to children's activities, whereabouts, peer interactions and environments to protect children from harmful influences, including substance abuse and other vices that could negatively affect their behaviour, moral values and overall development,” the Board said.

KFCB said child protection should remain a priority even when schools close, urging parents and guardians to stay involved in children’s lives throughout the break.

To strengthen enforcement, KFCB said it was working with other relevant government agencies to increase monitoring and compliance checks throughout the holiday season.

The checks will cover both online and offline spaces, including audiovisual premises where children may be admitted and potentially exposed to adult content and illegal filming.

The Board has also urged members of the public to remain alert and report inappropriate audiovisual content for appropriate action.

Reports can be submitted through the Board’s email address, [email protected], or its various social media platforms.