Proposed policy to limit activity

KANYAMAZANE – Privacy on their phones is a privilege that should not be granted to children and parents should monitor their online activities very carefully so as to protect them from exposure to harmful and disturbing material.

This concern was raised by the chief operations officer of the Film Publications Board, Mr Sipho Risiba during a public consultation regarding an online policy
draft.

According to Risiba, the draft requires any person who intends to distribute any film or game and certain publications in the Republic of South Africa first to register with the board and to submit for
examination and classification of such film, game or publication.

“The draft comes after a huge outcry from parents and civil society that not enough is being done to protect children when it comes to content they consume on the Internet,” he stated.

Risiba added that the draft’s main objective was to regulate the creation, production, possession and distribution of films, games and certain publications by way of classification.

“Should the policy be adopted, kids will be protected from premature exposure to adult material and it will criminalise child pornography and the use and exposure of children to pornography.

“It will ensure responsible use of social sites,” Risiba added.
One of the community members who attended the session, Mr Petros Matsebula, said he wished the policy could be approved as it would prevent kids falling pray to paedophiles and sex offenders.

“I’ve always had a problem with the way our children are exposed to vulgar content on many social sites and at some point thought that the Internet should just close down. Maybe the policy will assist
by setting some legal boundaries,” said Matsebula.

Another elderly man, Mr Elphus Theko, said parents should actually teach their kids that not all things on the Internet are safe to
watch. “Actually whatever doesn’t build the nation should just be removed!” he emphasised.

Risiba urged parents to take the classification of films and any television content seriously and adhere to the rules. The public participation which started in April nationwide continues until July and it will be taken to parliament for discussion.

Any person who wishes to submit representations or comments is invited to do so by no later than July 15. Submissions should be emailed to policy.submissions@fpb.org.za or handdelivered to the FPB head office at ECO Glade 2, 420 Witch Hazel Street, ECO Park, Centurion, 0169 and marked for the attention of Ms Tholoana Ncheke.