How ethical is it for children to take part?
Recently Channel 4 started broadcasting its latest reality TV programme – Rock School in which American rock star Gene Simmons tries to turn 10 classical music-loving children in to a band who can open for Motorhead.
Meanwhile BBC3’s Little Angels, which finished last week and The Unteachables has provoked much debate in the press. But how ethical is it to expect children and young people to take part in such programmes? To what extent can somebody who is under 18 be mature enough to agree to participate in reality TV programmes? Are parents who volunteer for Supernanny and Wife Swap somehow damaging their children psychologically?
Jenni Murray speaks to Bridget Baker, who agreed for her family to take part in the latest series of Channel 4’s Wife Swap.
Jenni will also be discussing the issue with Professor David Wilson, Professor of Criminology at University of Central England and former Big Brother consultant, and Dr Su Holmes, lecturer in film and television studies at University of Kent.
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