Newsround is supposed to be a factual programme which reflects the diversity of news and current affairs for young people. How much longer can the editor of Newsround pretend that there aren't people with same sex attractions, and that homophobia is irrelevant?
Ian Prince has asserted that there is no policy barring lgbt-relevant news, but there is now overwhelming evidence that his claim is meaningless.
A recent study in Australia found that the most important contribution to the health and well-being of lgbt people is likely to be increased acceptance of their lives, their relationships and of the positive contribution they make to society. The study suggests that public education should address the problems of heterosexism, homophobia and homophobic abuse. Another study, in Northern Ireland, found that the mental health of gay and bisexual men was adversely affected by difficulties in accepting their sexuality, the shortage of people who understood what they were going through, and homophobia in society. The level of depression was manifest as self-harm and a high number of suicide attempts.
On 13 March 2006 Newsround Extra dealt with depression without discussing the special problems for lgbt young people, and the Newsround programme continues to discriminate.
3 comments:
Just found your blog. Am very impressed with both your cause and the commitment you show to it. Keep up the good work!
The day Newsround starts down the "discussing sexuality" road is the day that thousands of parents will stop their children from watching it. My nine year old is not allowed to watch Grange Hill or Neighbours for just that reason. Ian Prince understands that.
The argument against inclusion of lgbt issues on CBBC programmes is nothing to do with an anti-gay agenda. It's to do with CBBC supporting parents who are doing their level best to shield young (and I mean 6,7, 8 year old children) from stuff that has not yet occurred to them and they don't yet need to know.
Yes, children need a forum in which to understand and discuss these issues when they're older - it is not needed at a time when they still believe in Santa and the tooth fairy.
Trust me mate, you're obviously too old to remember what it was like in the playground, but these days kids of eight know what "gay" means. Your sweet little darlings could probably teach you a few swear words. Calling someone gay is a really easy way of bullying them, regardless of whether the kid knows what it means. If kids are old enough to be bullied then they're old enough to watch a programme where bullying is discussed.
If they're not prepared to talk about a subject fully then they shouldn't discuss it at all.
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