Directive of May 5, 1989 on the protection of children and adolescents

Directive of May 5, 1989 on the protection of children and young people in the programming of programmes shown on public and private television services.


The French Superior Audiovisual Council is entrusted by the law of September 30, 1986, as amended, with the task of ensuring the protection of children and adolescents in the programming of programs shown by audiovisual communication services.

Concerned by the programming and diffusion of programs likely to undermine this objective, the council summons the editorial responsibility of public and private channels to ensure strict compliance with a principle solemnly affirmed by the legislator.

To this end, the French Superior Audiovisual Council considers it necessary to formulate measures to be taken by public and private TV channels to achieve this objective, and which the Council will use to guide its action.

1. The company must ensure that it does not show youth programs containing scenes likely to offend the sensibilities of the audience for which they are intended.

2. The company must ensure that programs intended for family audiences are broadcast during prime time.

3. The company shall refrain from diffusing programs, in particular cinematographic or audiovisual works, of an erotic nature or inciting to violence, between 6 am and 10.30 pm. It must take particular care to ensure that trailers for such programs are not shown before 8:30 p.m., and that they do not include scenes likely to offend the sensibilities of children and adolescents.

4. The company shall warn viewers, in an appropriate form, when it programs and broadcasts programs likely to offend their sensibilities, and in particular the public of children and adolescents. This warning must accompany any on-air presentation of the program concerned.

5. No films contrary to public decency will be shown by the company.