Surprising program change on Das Erste: Shortly after the “Tagesschau” on Sunday evening, children draw attention to their problems and concerns. A prominent young mother moderated the program.
Under the motto #KINDERstören, ARD interrupted the program on Sunday evening at prime time at 8:15 p.m. and drew attention to the needs, rights and problems of children. In a 15-minute program on Das Erste, presented by comedian Carolin Kebekus, children appeared as presenters of “Morgenmagazin”, “Sportschau”, “Tagesschau” and “Gefragt – gejagt” as well as “Tatort” investigators. 5.97 million people watched, which corresponds to an excellent audience share of 24.6 percent.
In short films, the children addressed topics such as the demand for the inclusion of children’s rights in the constitution as well as problems such as cyberbullying, violence against children, child poverty and a lack of childcare and sports facilities.
“Tatort” had to wait
Noemi, as a “Tagesschau” spokeswoman, reported: “According to a recent study, young people are more pessimistic about the future than ever before. The biggest concerns for my generation include war in Europe, the division of society and climate change. These ongoing crises are also increasing the psychological burden.” The actual “Tatort” was moved to 8:30 p.m. due to the broadcast.
“It is a task for society as a whole to focus more on the rights of children,” said WDR program director Jörg Schönenborn, explaining the unusual campaign. “We want to contribute to this with our opportunities and numerous offers in public broadcasting.”
Kebekus, who gave birth to her first child in January, told the German Press Agency: “Children’s rights in Germany are still being neglected.” Almost a quarter of children and young people are threatened by poverty or social exclusion. I would like to see a clear signal from politicians that remedying this social catastrophe is a priority,” said Kebekus. “Unfortunately, the children’s lobby is far too small.”
“Finally enshrine children’s rights in the constitution”
The Independent Commissioner for Child Sexual Abuse Issues, Kerstin Claus, praised the campaign: “It is great that ARD interrupts the usual Sunday evening television program to focus on children’s issues. This drew the attention of millions of viewers to children’s rights during prime time. We should all feel responsible for protecting children, perceive them with their own ideas and actively involve them in decision-making processes.”
This is also demanded by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, says Claus. “Now we must finally enshrine children’s rights in the Basic Law. Only when the primary consideration of the child’s well-being and the rights of children to protection, support and participation are included in the Basic Law can children and young people be better protected from all forms of violence, especially sexual violence.”
Source: Stern
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