KFCB Warns Parents to Watch Kids’ Screen Time During April Holidays

The Kenya Film Classification Board(KFCB) issued an advisory to media consumers, warning parents and guardians to be on the lookout for their children’s consumption of audio-visual content during the school holidays in April.

This comes at a time when schools are on holiday, and children are more likely to watch television and use other forms of media.

In an official document bearing the name of the Republic of Kenya, the Kenya Film Classification Board issued an advisory to parents and guardians on the need to be on the lookout for their children.

“As children break for the April holidays, they will have an increased chance to access various audio-visual content, including online content,” the media consumer advisory document read.

In the document, the Kenya Film Classification Board cited the effects of media consumption on young people.

“Research has shown that film and media content influence the behavior and thinking of consumers, especially children, who are highly impressionable,” the document read.

Parental Responsibility in Focus

The KFCB urged parents, caregivers, and guardians to take proactive measures in managing children’s media consumption.

“In line with the Kenya Film Classification Board’s (KFCB) consumer advisory function, the KFCB urges parents, caregivers, and guardians to monitor the audio-visual content that children under their care access and consume during this period,” the statement said.

Among the key recommendations issued by the Board is the establishment of structured screen-time rules.

Parents are advised to control the amount of time spent by children while watching television or using digital media.

The regulator also called for the use of parental control features to block access to unsuitable material, stating that guardians should consider “restricting access to age-inappropriate content through parental control features available on streaming platforms and devices.”

Further, the Board encouraged shared viewing experiences within households.

“Watching audio-visual content together as a family—this not only allows parents to monitor what children are watching but also provides an opportunity for meaningful discussions about the content,” the advisory stated.

Parents were additionally urged to guide children toward constructive content.

The KFCB emphasized the importance of “encouraging children to explore educational and uplifting content that aligns with positive values and which promotes creativity and critical thinking.”

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Reporting Harmful Content

The Board also called on members of the public to actively report inappropriate content targeting children.

“Reporting content they believe is harmful or inappropriate for children to the KFCB for review and rating for age-appropriateness via info@kfcb.go.ke,” the statement directed.

In a broader appeal, parents were advised to remain vigilant about their children’s general activities during the holiday period.

The advisory stressed the importance of “concerning themselves with the whereabouts of their children,” highlighting safety concerns beyond digital consumption.

Warning to Exhibitors and Gaming Operators

In addition to parental guidance, the KFCB issued a firm warning to operators of video shows, gaming outlets, and other film exhibition venues.

The Board cautioned that such establishments must strictly adhere to content classification regulations.

The statement explicitly warned against allowing minors access to restricted content.

“The KFCB cautions video show and PlayStation operators, as well as other film exhibitors, against admitting children into their premises except for the General Exhibition (GE) rated content,” it said.

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Digital Literacy Program Rollout

The Board reaffirms its commitment to raising parental awareness through various ongoing initiatives.

It was keen to highlight the Parents’ Digital Literacy Program (PADIL) as one of the major interventions geared towards ensuring that parents have the requisite digital literacy skills.

“As KFCB, we remain committed to enhancing parental awareness about emerging technologies through our Parents’ Digital Literacy Program (PADIL) with the objective of empowering parents with the required skills to effectively monitor and manage their children’s consumption of digital content.”

In conclusion, the regulator was keen to highlight that children’s protection was a responsibility that involved parents, players, and society as a whole.

“Protecting children from exposure to inappropriate content is a collective responsibility!”

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