Protection of young people and persons under 18

With regard to the protection of persons under 18, channels must comply with the following schemes.

• the law of September 30, 1986 on audiovisual communication
• Arcom's notices and recommendations concerning the protection of persons under 18.
• the provisions of agreements signed with Arcom for private channels
• the information contained in the specifications and terms of reference published by decree for public channels.

Arcom control procedures

Arcom does not intervene prior to diffusion. It does, however, examine complaints received after diffusion, by mail, e-mail or telephone, as long as these complaints mention the name of the station, the time of diffusion or the title of the program.

Arcom's teams then listen to the offending program, prepare a file if necessary and, after examination by the working group in charge of protecting persons under 18, Arcom's plenary board gives a ruling on the decisions to be taken.

Arcom is also empowered to take matters into its own hands if it considers that a program does not comply with the legislative and/or contractual obligations of radio stations.

Arcom can impose legal sanctions in the event of non-compliance.

How can youngsters be protected if there are no programs adapted to them? Arcom requires certain channels to show "programmes for younger viewers" to complement their overall programming supply.

These programs dedicated to youngsters include criteria such as:

• program design: presence of youngsters, themes affecting children and teenagers, language used, etc.
• the times of diffusion, either within a clearly identifiable youth slot in the channel's programming schedule; or outside these slots, but within this category
• specific packaging identifying them as being aimed at youngsters.

Arcom's role is to :

• imposing on certain channels anobligation to broadcast programmes for younger viewers, as well as an obligation to produce animated works
• ensure access to a supply of youth channels, especially free-to-air ones
• set specific obligations for programmes for younger viewers, such as the creation of an ethics committee including experts in the psychology of youngsters, and the obligation to regularly alternate drama programmes and early-learning programmes to respect children's rhythms.

In addition to programmes for younger viewers, channels regularly show family programmes that bring parents and children together. These are generally broadcast at times when both audiences are present, usually in the first half of the evening, or in the afternoon on certain public holidays.

It is possible for persons under 18 to take part in television programs, provided certain rules are observed. Arcom protects minors when they are on the other side of the screen.

Broadcaster obligations

After consultation with TV channels, Arcom adopted a resolution on April 17, 2007, reaffirming the need for persons under 18 to be able to express their opinions, and imposing the following obligations on broadcasters:

• the consent of persons under 18 must be obtained, as well as that of their legal guardians
• regarding the treatment of a minor's testimony: avoid dramatization or derision, ensure that filming conditions and questions are age-appropriate, prevent the minor's intervention from harming his or her future, and preserve his or her prospects for personal fulfillment
• the identity of persons under 18 who testify about a difficult situation in their private life must be protected, all the more so when there is a risk of stigmatization after the show has been diffused
• the adoption of a charter appended to the authorizations signed by the holders of parental authority, defining the terms and conditions for respecting the sensitivity of children and setting out the conditions for the stay of minors on the premises concerned.

In November 2008, at the initiative of TF1, France Télévisions, Canal+ and M6, the audiovisuel groups adopted a joint charter governing the participation of person under 18s in television programs.

Cooperation between Arcom and service editors

However, some TV channels have found it difficult to apply these obligations. That's why, in 2010, Arcom's "Youth and Protection of Minors" working group organized a consultation with the main service editors and audiovisuel groups using the participation of minors in their programs, as well as a union of production companies.

In a letter sent to the publishers, Arcom reiterated that it takes several criteria into account in its assessment, notably the nature of the program, the conditions under which it is produced, the precautions taken by the publisher, as well as the circumstances of the case and the best interests of the child.

It also recalled that the participation of a person under 18 in a television program is necessarily subject to the authorization of the holders of parental authority, even when the protection of the identity of a minor in difficult circumstances is assured.

In 2011, Arcom adopted a deliberation concerning the protection of youngsters, ethics and accessibility of programs on on-demand audiovisual media services.

This deliberation requires SMADs to use the classification: "all audiences, -10 years, -12 years, -16 years, -18 years". SMADs must also create two specific physical spaces:

• a "trusted space" for families, containing only "all-audience" programs
• a space reserved exclusively for programs and trailers not recommended or forbidden for persons under 18, locked by a specific personal code.

An annual awareness-raising campaign on the protection of persons under 18 must be shown on these services.

Between 6 a.m. and 10.30 p.m., it is forbidden to show programmes likely to offend listeners under the age of 16.

Pornographic or extremely violent programs are not allowed to be diffused, as there is no technical scheme to ensure that only adults can access them.

These schemes are formalized in the deliberation of February 10, 2004 on the protection of children and adolescents on radio broadcasting services.

Time of diffusion as a protection criterion

Arcom must ensure that no program likely to harm the physical, mental or moral development of minors is made available to the public by a radio station, except where the choice of the time of diffusion ensures that minors are not normally likely to hear them (cf. Article 15 of the amended law of September 30, 1986 ).

In addition to the law and the deliberation of February 10, 2004, Arcom's action is based on the commitments set out in radio station agreements:

• Co-signed by Arcom and the private radio stations, article 2-12 of the agreements makes provision for these stations to "ensure the protection of children and adolescents in the programming of their programs, in accordance with the deliberation of the French Superior Audiovisual Council of February 10, 2004".(Browse the models of radio agreements presented in the file on Calls for candidates)
• With regard to Radio France, article 5 of its specifications makes provision for "the company to ensure respect for human dignity, equality between men and women, and the protection of children and adolescents. It warns listeners in an appropriate form when programming programs likely to offend their sensibilities."

Olivier ANDRIEU-GÉRARD

Coordinator of the "media-digital uses" unit at the Union nationale des associations familiales (UNAF) (French national union of family associations)

Justine ATLAN

Managing Director, e-Enfance

Agnès BACRIE

Elementary school principal

Eloïse BECHT (Ovidie)

Director, journalist and author

Grégoire BORST

Professor of Developmental Psychology and Educational Cognitive Neuroscience (Université Paris Cité)

Director, Laboratoire de Psychologie du Développement et de l'éducation de l'enfant (LaPsyDÉ-CNRS)

François-Marie CARON

Pediatrician

Association Française de Pédiatrie Ambulatoire, Expert for Mpédia.fr

Béatrice COPPER-ROYER

Child and adolescent psychologist

Éric DELEMAR

Children's Ombudsman for the Rights Defender

Sabine DUFLO

Psychologist and family therapist in child psychiatry (medical-psychological center for children and adolescents, and specialized consultation on screen addiction). Attached to EPSM G. Daumezon)

Rose-Marie FARINELLA

Media and information education specialist

Christel GONNARD

Screenwriter and writing director

Azmina GOULAMALY

Director, Pipangaï animation studio

Paul JACQUIN

Pediatrician (adolescent medicine)

Emmanuel MARTIN

Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, Ubisoft

Amélia MATAR

Founder of Colori

Georges PICHEROT

Pediatrician, former Head of Pediatrics at Nantes University Hospital

Thomas ROHMER

Chairman, Observatoire de la parentalité et de l'éducation numérique (OPEN)

Nicolas VIGNOLLES

General Delegate, Syndicat des éditeurs de logiciels de loisirs (SELL)

TV channels classify programs into categories defined by Arcom: all audiences, -10, -12, -16 and -18. Pictograms help you identify these categories. To protect your child from violent images, take the time to choose with him what he will watch according to his age, and to explain why.

Don't hesitate to say that you too are sometimes shocked by certain programs, and that you don't want them to be. In fact, it's important not to let him believe that an adult can watch anything without ever feeling anguished, scared or disgusted.

If your child is familiar with the pictograms, he'll be able to give up watching age-inappropriate programs on his own.

In addition to the adult members of your household and the people who look after your children (baby-sitters, for example), you can also make any older brothers and sisters aware of the scheme, so that they can watch what the little ones are watching.

Browse the Arcom file on youth signage

There are a number of simple and essential steps you can take to protect your children, such as using a locking scheme for programs not recommended for under-18s.

Customize the parental code to disable access to these programs, avoiding codes that children can easily try out (no date of birth, for example), and keep this code secret. You can find this code in the management area of your TV box.

You can also set up other locking schemes: TV sets or set-top boxes often allow you to set up filters or parental controls by channel, time, title or program classification.

Newspapers, advertising, video clips and cinema releases benefit from specially adapted schemes.

News broadcasts: an oral warning

Signage is not used on news broadcasts. The female presenter must clearly warn the audience before showing difficult images or accounts of particularly dramatic events. This warning enables the adult to keep youngsters away from the screen.

This oral warning is considered to be a suitable measure for news bulletins made up of very short documentaries, for which pictograms cannot play their role effectively.

Pictograms, on the other hand, are used during society and news magazines.

As a general rule, recommends that children under the age of 8 should not be allowed towatch news broadcasts and news channels.

Advertising: checks before and after diffusion

Advertisements do not carry any warning signs.

The Autorité de régulation professionnelle de la publicité (ARPP) - an interprofessional association consulted by advertisers - checks ads before they are shown on television.

Arcom, for its part, monitors commercials after they have been shown on , just like all other television programs. In addition, it ensures that the commercial pressure exerted on children by advertising is not too great:

• commercials presenting products derived from children's programs must not be shown immediately before or after the program in question
• private channels have agreed to limit advertising credits in children's programs to a minimum duration
• commercials for premium-rate telephone or SMS services likely to exploit the inexperience or credulity of persons under 18 may only be shown between midnight and 5 a.m.
• commercial communications for sports betting, horse racing and poker may not be shown on programs and services aimed at persons under 18
• since January 1, 2018, no commercial advertising may be shown on France Télévisions channels 15 minutes before and after a program intended primarily for children under twelve.

This ban also applies to France Télévisions' on-demand audiovisual media services (SMAD) and websites aimed primarily at children under twelve.

Video clips: no systematic signage

In view of their brevity and the absence of any announcement before their diffusion, channels are not obliged to systematically affix a sign to video clips.

• They do, however, sometimes choose to display the pictogram "not recommended for children under 10", when they deem it necessary.
• During the day, channels give priority to versions that have been purged of images likely to offend youngsters, when available.
• They must respect the time constraint of showing clips likely to offend youngsters after 10 p.m.(notice dated June 7, 2005).

Cinematographic works: distinguishing between theatrical and television diffusion

For theatrical diffusion

The Centre National du Cinéma et de l'Image animée (CNC) has a commission responsible for classifying all films released in cinemas, as well as certain trailers. Arcom is a member of this committee. The operating license issued by the Minister of Culture on the advice of this commission may be accompanied by a ban on films for under-12s, under-16s or under-18s, and/or a warning to the public.

In such cases, channels must inform viewers of these restrictions both when trailers are shown and when the film is presented or diffused on air.

For television diffusion

The criteria for a theatrical or television diffusion are not the same, notably because the film is watched at home, making it accessible to a younger audience. TV channels therefore have to check that the rating given for a cinema screening can be transposed to a TV diffusion, and strengthen it if necessary. All-audience films shown in cinemas are sometimes shown on television with a rating of "not recommended for children under 10" or "not recommended for children under 12".

Since 2004, Arcom has complemented its activities with the production of an annual awareness-raising campaign on youth signage.

TV channels are obliged to show it every year-end, for at least three weeks.

This campaign, produced by Arcom, was renewed in 2018 with the slogan #CaNousRegardeTous.

TV channels classify their own programs before they are shown. Each must set up a broadcast committee whose members they choose.

Arcom has established a number of non-exhaustive criteria to help classify programs, including :

• the number and nature of violent scenes
• whether they are gratuitous or essential to the scenario
• scripted use of violence to resolve conflicts
• staging, image treatment, type of shot used, realism of representation, treatment of the soundtrack (anxiety-inducing)
• evocation of difficult themes such as drugs, suicide, incest and domestic violence
• child abuse
• depictions of sexual acts
• image of women (respectful or degrading)
• character psychology and the cues it supplies to a child or teen audience (punishment or reward for acts of violence, etc.)
• the hero's character, motives, recourse to violence or dangerous or illegal behavior (drugs, etc.)
• the presence of children in violent scenes.

These criteria are applied on a case-by-case basis and, in the case of series, episode by episode.

Arcom encourages TV channels to use this system as soon as they suspect that a program may offend youngsters. The aim of is not to sanitize the small screen, but to inform parents .

Arcom verifies, after the program has been shown by the channel, the presence of the pictogram where necessary, and the choice of broadcast schedule.

Arcom acts either on its own initiative or on the basis of a complaint, always after the show has been broadcast.

When a program does not appear to be suitable for all audiences, Arcom teams open an investigation file.

The working group responsible for youth protection within the Autorité, and thenArcom's plenary college, then assess the relevance of the classifications and programming schedules chosen by the channels.

Arcom examines complaints received by telephone, mail or e-mailfrom viewers or associations , as long as they mention the name of the channel, the broadcast schedule or the title of the program. These complaints may lead Arcom to intervene with the channel concerned.

Arcom always takes action after the fact. Its effectiveness is recognized: channels modify their programming schedules or choice of pictogram for future broadcasts, in line with the observations sent to them.

For on-air use

• Download pictograms (zipped tga format)
• Download public warnings (tga zipped format)
• Download on-screen sign placement guidelines

For use on paper

• Download pictograms (black on white background in zipped eps format)
• Download public warnings (black on white background, zipped eps format)

Television is not recommended for children under 3.

To develop their abilities, children must actively use their five senses , relying in particular on the relationship with an adult who responds to them. He needs to perceive himself as being able to transform the world, which he does, for example, when he manipulates objects around him.

However, passive exposure to images shown on a screen is not conducive to this type of interaction: it confines them to the status of spectators, and can actually hinder their development.

For example, television can encourage developmental disorders in youngsters, such as passivity, language delays, agitation, sleep disorders, concentration problems and screen addiction.

Introduced in 2008, the annual news programme, relayed by all TV channels, is a reminder that TV programmes of all kinds are not suitable for children under 3.

Each year, the channels take part in this campaign, which is shown over 3 or 4 days, and includes Arcom's key messages on the protection of toddlers. Publishers are free to transmit the information provided by the Authority on this subject in any form they wish (subjects, documentaries, messages, etc.).

For the past few years, Arcom has gone one step further: it has demanded that channels add advice on the use of screens for children over 3 years of age:

• before age 8, only children's programs
• limit screen time
• respect children's signs

As a result, the campaign has been renamed " Children and screens".

Since 2018, Arcom has been offering a leaflet with practical advice to support children's family and educational entourage in this use of screens.

Arcom prohibits broadcasters established in France from showing or promoting, on their airwaves or any other medium, programs specifically aimed at children under three.

The appearance of two baby channels in France in 2008 caused a stir, particularly among child specialists and family associations.

In July 2008, after browsing health and childhood experts, Arcom adopted a deliberation on the effects of television on children under 3 to protect the health and development of youngsters. This deliberation is based on an opinion issued by the French Ministry of Health against content presenting itself as designed for toddlers. In particular, it prohibits publishers established in France from diffusing channels and programs aimed at children under 3.

Keep your child away from screens (TV, tablets and smartphones). Interaction with the world around them is essential to their development (language, motor skills, etc.).

According to Arcom, the French Ministry of Health and a number of experts, television is not suitable for children under 3 years of age, as it can hinder their development, even when channels are specifically aimed at them.

Before the age of 3, , children build themselves by acting on the world: television risks locking them into a passive spectator status at a time when they need to learn to become actors in the world around them.

There are several stages in the development of children under three:

• At first, babies are attracted by everything that moves,
• then they discover that they can act on their environment
• as soon as their motor skills permit, they can point to things and touch them
• as of nine months, he imitates without understanding what he sees.
• Around the age of one and a half or two, he puts words to things and understands basic expressions.

Television is often thought to have a calming effect on toddlers. However, the baby's gaze is caught by the stream of images and sounds coming from the screen that he or she doesn't understand, which can give the illusion of a calming effect. However, this calm is often followed by misunderstood agitation, leading parents to increase their exposure to television, which in turn risks accentuating its harmful effect on the child.

Choose suitable programs for a limited time. Excessive screen consumption can lead to sleep, vision and concentration problems.

As of age 3, adapted programs can stimulate certain abilities, such as statement of case or alphabet recognition. But beware of duration: 10 minutes spent in front of the TV represents a high concentration time for a youngster.

It's advisable to keep sessions short, with the possibility of watching the same program several times to understand the action and intentions of the characters... and thus avoid "zapping" between several programs!

Between the ages of 3 and 6, children react with their own sensitivity. You need to be particularly vigilant about what they watch, as they don't have any drop of perspective. They won't be able to tell the difference between drama and reality, and will regard the frightening images they see as real, without having the words to express their feelings. That's why it's so important to talk to your child.

Help your child discover screens.

As of the age of 6, children are able to distinguish between what is real and what is not. They begin to have some experience of images, and can analyze and comment on them. They may also want to imitate what they've seen, which is why it's important to explain to them that they shouldn't reproduce what they see on TV, and to respect their sensibilities by favoring programmes for younger viewers.

Up to the age of 8, only programmes for younger viewers are suitable (animation, children's films, educational programs or documentaries). It's important to limit the length of your child's viewing sessions, and to work with him or her to choose the programs he or she will watch, so that they can learn to find their way around the program supply.

Between the ages of 8 and 10, give preference to programmes for younger viewers and programmes for the general public, and try to watch television with your child.

Between the ages of 10 and 12, children begin to want more autonomous access to images and to diversify the programs they watch.

In adolescence, they may want to confront certain violent content, even if they are not emotionally capable of doing so. Even at this age, and despite the ease with which teenagers can access images, it's important to maintain a dialogue with them about what they watch or listen to, and to continue teaching them to choose what suits their tastes and sensibilities.

Whatever your child's age

• for better attention at school, avoid screens in the morning
• for more convivial meals, opt for screen-free meals
• for restful sleep, avoid screens before bedtime and in the bedroom

Under the age of 8, only programmes for younger viewers are suitable for children, and it's best not to let them watch news programmes or news channels.

Children have a right to information, but news broadcasts are not suited to their sensibilities and can make them anxious.

There's nothing to stop you talking to your child about current events, in age-appropriate terms.

On video on demand sites

On many video on demand and catch-up TV sites, you'll find videos classified according to the Arcom rating system: -10, -12, -16, -18.

These sites must also offer a"trusted space" for youngsters, consisting exclusively of"all-audience" videos.

Cooperation between Arcom and public authorities

Arcom has renewed the membership of its Comité d'experts du jeune public in order to integrate digital developments into its forward-looking work on the challenges of protecting young audiences.

Although Arcom is not responsible for regulating all content on the Internet, it nevertheless pays close attention to the protection of persons under 18 on this medium.
As the Internet is an easily accessible communication tool, it represents several potential sources of danger for youngsters:

• exposure to shocking or adult-only content (violence, pornography, etc.)
• the possibility of contact with ill-intentioned adults (pedophilia, various forms of manipulation, etc.)
• disclosure of private life or personal data without parents' knowledge
• infringement of certain rights (image rights, press rights, etc.)
• exposure to illegal practices (downloading, harassment, etc.).

However, you shouldn't forbid your children to use the Internet, which is also a source of knowledge and exchange. You simply have to make sure that they are not left unchecked in front of a connected computer, smartphone or tablet. This means installing parental control software, and above all, being there for them when they surf, to guide them to suitable sites and share their discoveries.

Practical advice from Arcom

• Talk to your child about registering on a social network: a minimum age is required for registration, as children need to be able to think critically.
• Think before you publish photos of your children: this is not a harmless act. It's up to the child to choose whether or not to expose him or herself as a teenager.
• Make your children aware that the images and information they publish can be seen beyond their circle of friends and used by others.
• Remind them of the rules of caution and good neighborliness that apply online as elsewhere:
• don't give out your personal details (address, phone number, etc.) to strangers
• don't show images or information that could harm yourself or others.
• In the event of cyber-bullying or exposure to harmful content, use the reporting schemes set up by platforms and networks.
• If you are exposed to unlawful content, use the Pharos platform of the French Ministry of the Interior: www.internet-signalement.gouv.fr
• Committing an infringement of the law online is the same as committing one in real life. On the Internet, too, it's important to abide by the law and respect everyone's rights.

Adolescents are particularly fond of talk shows, where they can express themselves freely on subjects close to their hearts. Talking to the presenters can help them deal with situations they don't understand or can't handle.

A popular medium, but not always appropriate

However, certain subjects that require careful listening and serious, educational answers (such as relationships and sexuality) are often treated in these programs with humor and provocation, sometimes even in a crude and vulgar manner. While adults can easily distance themselves from this kind of talk, it risks upsetting teenagers and pre-teens, who are by nature more vulnerable.

For this reason, radio stations are not allowed to show such comments on air before 10.30pm. In principle, listening to the radio until this time is not a risk for your teenagers. Nevertheless, without alarming you or infringing on your child's privacy, there's nothing to stop you listening to these programs from time to time and discussing the subject with him or her.

To prevent your child from being confused by what he sees, it's important to choose age-appropriate content.

What are the reasons why a program might not be suitable for youngsters?

On television, our children don't see the same things as we do, and certain images can arouse complex emotions in them, sometimes different from what an adult might feel. A program may be considered too violent or shocking for youngsters for a number of reasons:

• numerous or difficult violent scenes (due to their realism, crudeness, etc.)
• gratuitousness
• the script's use of violence to resolve conflicts
• staging, realism of representation, soundtrack (which can be frightening)
• evocation of difficult themes such as drugs, suicide, incest and domestic violence
• child abuse
• depictions of sexual acts
• degrading images of women
• character psychology and the cues it supplies to a child or teen audience (e.g., a reward for acts of violence)
• the character of the hero, his motives, his recourse to violence or dangerous or illegal behavior (drugs, etc.)
• the presence of children in violent scenes.

What are the risks for your children, and how can you spot them?

Exposure to violent or shocking content can cause problems in children that are not always visible:

• difficulty falling asleep
• nightmares
• anxiety
• trivialization of violence
• aggressiveness

Even if your child doesn't show any negative emotions at the time, they may resurface a little later and on various occasions, for example in the dark or while sleeping. It's important that you recognize the signs, which vary from one child to the next, and make the connection with any shocking images he or she may have seen.