Outline of “Letters to the Editor”
There are two letters one from each side of two different views on filming children left alone, making their own decisions on living life, and then broadcasting it. There is one pro the idea and one against it. The letter pro the idea comes from Andrew Mackenzie, head of factual entertainment and he writes that every show that is broadcasted had to follow Ofcoms’ guidelines. That means that the children were in good hands throughout the whole program. The parent was always nearby and had the opportunity to intervene whenever they wanted, and withdraw their kid from the program. This gave the parents the insight on their kids’ behaviour when they are not around.
The opposite letter was written by Dr Richard House, Senior lecturer in psychotherapy from Roehampton University. He makes it clear in his letter that it is impossible to secure the inner environments for any people no matter who you are, especially children. The psyche of children is very fragile, and is not to be toyed with.
Andrew Mackenzie also states that all of the children participating were carefully casted and screened by experts so that the children could cope the whole situation and experience. The parents had access to advice and support at any time needed, and all safety measures were taken care of. The children’s wellbeing were at all time the top priority.
As an answer to that Dr Richard House states that it is simply impossible to select and pick out children that can handle the experience, and he challenges the TV station Channel 4 to reveal the so called experts that screened these children so that a public dialogue can emerge.
Andrew Mackenzie assures that there are trained child chaperones present throughout, and intervened if necessary. The response from the parents has been very positive both child and adult have learnt a lot form the