The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called for adherence to journalistic ethics and best practices in production of children’s content.
The Council says observance of the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya is critical given the various considerations in exposing children to diverse content.
“As Kenya’s media regulator, MCK recognises the sensitivity of content consumed by children across different media platforms. The Council has also been promoting professional coverage of children and working with stakeholders to develop a curriculum on reporting on children’s issues”, MCK Manager for Accreditation and Compliance Rebecca Mutiso said during the launch of China Media Group’s Twinkle Star project tour that will see the screening of Chinese animations in Kenya’s learning institutions. The same will cover Africa.
She noted that animations serve as a powerful educational tool, facilitating comprehension, engagement and retention of knowledge.
“Responsible development of children’s content is crucial for their well-being and development. Children’s content should have educational value and promote learning and should incorporate age-appropriate educational concepts such as language skills, problem solving, creativity, critical thinking and social-emotional development”, she averred.
Ms Mutiso expressed hope that the project will inspire the next generation of Kenya’s animators that will take a proactive role in curating Kenya’s culture.
“It is important to promote positive messages and values in children’s content such as kindness, empathy, respect, honesty, diversity and cooperation. Characters and storylines should demonstrate positive behaviour and model appropriate social interactions and be sensitive to diverse cultures, background and experiences”, she said.
On cyber security, Ms Mutiso urged content producers to ensure the well-being of children by creating content that does not contain harmful materials.
“Responsible online presence is also critical and content producers should always ensure they take measures such as data protection and moderation of user generated content to protect children from cyberbullying, inappropriate comments and harmful interactions ”, she said.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza said Kenya’s ties with China spanning over 60 years have provided an invaluable opportunity for the two countries to learn from each other and to grow their respective economies.
“The programmes that will be screened during the project will undoubtedly boost Kenya-China cultural ties and I also hope this will be felt in the tourism sector”, she said.
The State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Prof Edward Kisiang’ani said the history of China’s social transformation has provided lessons to Kenya on solving its challenges.
“China is a leader in technology and it is important that we share the digital skills and provide opportunities for our youth”, he said.
The animation exhibition tour dubbed “Twinkle Star Project” is scheduled to start this month and will run through to December and will include the launch of a caravan exhibition tour. The tour will screen China Media Groups’ original animations and will drive through remote rural areas and schools in Africa and will include an open-air screen that will bring films to children in areas without access to TV signal. It will also include a painting competition on social issues for Chinese and African Children and the calls for entries will run through the month of June. A panel of experts will coordinate the evaluation process and the winners will be announced at an event to be held in December.
The culmination of the tour will be a ceremony planned a day before the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kenya and China in December.