Outrage after risqué commercial interrupts children's show
- Replies 10
Many of you will understand how worried grandparents can get when it comes to the content their young grandkids see while they’re looking at the TV or playing on apps and websites. We know that it isn’t always easy to protect them from disturbing, offensive, or inappropriate content, no matter what precautions are taken.
This was recently exemplified in a story that’s struck horror into the hearts of both grandparents and parents everywhere: a raunchy ad promoting sex toys aired during one of TV’s most beloved children’s shows.
One Australian parent was concerned and upset when a racy commercial promoting sex toys aired during popular children's shows Paw Patrol and Lego Masters on Channel 10's on-demand service, 10 Play.
Understandably, the parent filed a complaint to the Ad Standards Community Panel (ASCP) last month, sparking an investigation into the issue.
The network has since been forced to make unspecified changes to its advertising process.
The advertisement, commissioned by adult business Sexyland, featured a leather-clad woman wearing a G-string and a leash, as well as a scene with a woman lying naked in bed, covered only by a bed sheet.
It is believed that the parent saw the commercial while her child was watching the kid’s show on 10 Play.
According to reports, the complaint highlighted the ‘totally inappropriate and unacceptable’ nature of the ad, reading: ‘It’s a kids program…What is the relevancy of this advert?’
The complaint continued: ‘Young children should not be watching ads for stores that sell sex toys. During the morning before 9 am, I want to feel…assured that I don't need to censor kids' TV.’
Furthermore, the parent reported that the provocative commercial also aired during an episode of Lego Masters, which streams on 9Now.
This occurrence received similar criticism, as the complaint noted it was: ‘Provocative and inappropriate content to be aired during a Lego Masters episode.’
Although the ASCP has dismissed the complaint, the board has acknowledged the occurrence as a ‘rare error’ and stated that it was not under the advertiser's control.
It added that it was ‘unlikely to be repeated, especially now that the scheduler has been alerted’.
Sexyland was seemingly unaware of the incident, having abided by self-imposed restrictions when booking ad slots between 9.30 pm and midnight. The company stated that the error must have been on the publisher's behalf.
In response, a spokesperson for the network confirmed that the ad was indeed played mistakenly and reassured the public, saying, 'We have since tightened our protections and processes to ensure this does not occur in the future.'
These instances, while rare, do remind us of the importance of monitoring our grandchildren's television consumption, even during shows that are typically appropriate and safe for them. Meanwhile, broadcasters must ensure that content is appropriately scheduled and screened.
It's best to stay vigilant and keep the communication lines open with the networks when it comes to ensuring the safety and well-being of your grandkids during their cherished TV time. For now, let's hope that the steps undertaken by Channel 10 satisfy their promise of preventing similar incidents in the future.
What about you, members? Do you think networks need more stringent measures to protect minors from consuming inappropriate or age-restricted shows, or should the burden of responsibility be put in the hands of their guardians? Let us know in the comments below.
This was recently exemplified in a story that’s struck horror into the hearts of both grandparents and parents everywhere: a raunchy ad promoting sex toys aired during one of TV’s most beloved children’s shows.
One Australian parent was concerned and upset when a racy commercial promoting sex toys aired during popular children's shows Paw Patrol and Lego Masters on Channel 10's on-demand service, 10 Play.
Understandably, the parent filed a complaint to the Ad Standards Community Panel (ASCP) last month, sparking an investigation into the issue.
The network has since been forced to make unspecified changes to its advertising process.
The advertisement, commissioned by adult business Sexyland, featured a leather-clad woman wearing a G-string and a leash, as well as a scene with a woman lying naked in bed, covered only by a bed sheet.
It is believed that the parent saw the commercial while her child was watching the kid’s show on 10 Play.
According to reports, the complaint highlighted the ‘totally inappropriate and unacceptable’ nature of the ad, reading: ‘It’s a kids program…What is the relevancy of this advert?’
The complaint continued: ‘Young children should not be watching ads for stores that sell sex toys. During the morning before 9 am, I want to feel…assured that I don't need to censor kids' TV.’
Furthermore, the parent reported that the provocative commercial also aired during an episode of Lego Masters, which streams on 9Now.
This occurrence received similar criticism, as the complaint noted it was: ‘Provocative and inappropriate content to be aired during a Lego Masters episode.’
Although the ASCP has dismissed the complaint, the board has acknowledged the occurrence as a ‘rare error’ and stated that it was not under the advertiser's control.
It added that it was ‘unlikely to be repeated, especially now that the scheduler has been alerted’.
Sexyland was seemingly unaware of the incident, having abided by self-imposed restrictions when booking ad slots between 9.30 pm and midnight. The company stated that the error must have been on the publisher's behalf.
In response, a spokesperson for the network confirmed that the ad was indeed played mistakenly and reassured the public, saying, 'We have since tightened our protections and processes to ensure this does not occur in the future.'
These instances, while rare, do remind us of the importance of monitoring our grandchildren's television consumption, even during shows that are typically appropriate and safe for them. Meanwhile, broadcasters must ensure that content is appropriately scheduled and screened.
Key Takeaways
- A concerned parent filed a complaint after a racy ad promoting sex toys aired during an episode of Paw Patrol on Channel 10's on-demand service, 10 Play.
- The ad, commissioned by adult business Sexyland, featured provocative and inappropriate content for a children's show.
- The Ad Standards Community Panel (ASCP) dismissed the complaint, stating that a 'rare error' led to the commercial playing during Paw Patrol and was not in the advertiser's control.
- Channel 10 confirmed the ad was played by mistake and has since tightened its protections and processes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
What about you, members? Do you think networks need more stringent measures to protect minors from consuming inappropriate or age-restricted shows, or should the burden of responsibility be put in the hands of their guardians? Let us know in the comments below.