Traditional children’s programming should be promoted better online

Popular sites such as YouTube are being asked to promote better quality children’s content online. Lisa Nandy, the UK government’s Culture Secretary, has expressed concern that young people are less exposed to educational content or programming that supports emotional and mental wellbeing, with a shift from traditional television to online platforms continuing to increase. Nandy has written to YouTube and similar sites, as well as Communications Regulator Ofcom, to encourage the promotion of more suitable children’s content. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Nandy – who has a nine year old child – says UK-produced children’s television “helps inform [children] about the world” but that it isn’t being seen online. While the government aims to secure a voluntary agreement with online platforms, Nandy has indicated that they are prepared to take further action if an agreement cannot be achieved. “The intention is that we would much prefer for them to work with us to make sure children are able to see and find high-quality content much more easily.” Read more here.