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Charities slam boys and girls' Big Brother
Danny Brierley02.02.09
CHANNEL 4 bosses have been accused of shamelessly exploiting children to boost ratings with a new Big Brother-style programme.
The documentary, called Boys and Girls Alone, features children aged between eight and 12 and is billed as a chance for them "to experience life without adults". But they are shown sobbing as their efforts to fend for themselves prove impossible.
Children's charities said the show, which will be broadcast tomorrow night, served no purpose other than to cynically pull in viewers.
Labour MP Denis MacShane said: "Children should be protected and not exploited for commercial gain."
A Channel 4 spokesman said: "A lot of positive things come out. It has a number of uplifting moments."
Reader views (3)
This programme was unjustifiable. Had it been a social experiment in private then children who volunteered should have been allowed to leave as soon as they wished.
It was however an entertainment programme - for whom? What sort of sick mind would find the suffering of children entertaining. It was simple child abuse and those involved should be prosecuted.
It is a low point in a steadily deteriorating tv scene.
- reverend, Essex
Parents have agreed to allow their kids on these programs and people switch on to watch. Why is it the broadcasters who have to take the criticism?
- Chris, Leeds
Its time for government to place curbs on these channels. They are out to make money no matter who gets hurt and they have to be stopped. It can be done without interfering with the freedom of the press if standards for broadcasting are stepped up with realistic and painful penalties involved on these multi million pound industries if they offend. The exploitation of these kids, the recent disgusting episode of the Brand/Ross affair, cheating the public with phone scams and so on, all point to mess in broadcasting that must be sorted out.
- George Rolph, London UK
