Children's rights in the Maltese audiovisual landscape : proposals for legislative reform

Abstract

One of the areas which has been given particular attention in the broadcasting landscape from a legal perspective is that concerning the protection of minors. This subject has been tackled both at the international, regional and national levels and various laws have been inscribed with the specific aim of safeguarding the interests of children and their rights to develop in a socially and psychologically sound environment. However, as the broadcasting media are in constant evolution, new laws need to be devised to ensure that these novel developments - both as to programme content and technological advancements - do not prejudice the rights of children. This article surveys the positive contributions made by the United Nations, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, the Council of Europe and the European Commission in this respect and sets out Maltese Broadcasting Legislation on the protection of minors. The article also makes a number of recommendations on how the competent authorities involved - international, regional or national - can further reduce the adverse impacts of broadcasting on children who, indeed, are very vulnerable and hence require the protection of the law.