Watershed (television) facts for kids

A television can show many different programs. These programs are usually checked by a group of people, often called an advisory board. They decide if the content is suitable for different ages. Some shows are great for kids, while others are not.

The watershed is a special time of day when TV channels are allowed to show programs that might not be suitable for younger children. This time usually starts in the late evening and ends in the early morning.

What is the TV Watershed?

The watershed is like an invisible line in the TV schedule. Before this time, broadcasters must make sure all programs are safe and suitable for children. After the watershed, they can show content that is more for adults. This helps parents protect their children from seeing things they are too young for.

Why Do We Have a Watershed?

The main reason for the watershed is to protect children. Kids often watch TV in the daytime and early evening. By having a watershed, TV channels can show different types of programs without worrying about young viewers seeing something inappropriate. It's about making sure TV is a safe and fun experience for everyone.

How Does the Watershed Work?

Each country has its own rules for when the watershed begins and ends. For example, in the United Kingdom, the watershed usually starts at 9:00 PM and ends at 5:30 AM. During these hours, shows might include more mature themes, stronger language, or scenes that are not suitable for younger audiences. Before 9:00 PM, all content must be suitable for a general family audience.

What Kind of Content is Affected?

Programs that might be shown after the watershed include:

• Shows with scary or intense scenes.
• Programs with discussions about complex or sensitive topics.
• News reports that might be too graphic for young children.

Before the watershed, you'll mostly see cartoons, family movies, educational shows, and general entertainment that is safe for all ages.

Who Decides the Rules?

Government bodies or special broadcasting regulators usually set the rules for the watershed. They work to balance freedom of speech for broadcasters with the need to protect young viewers. These rules are often reviewed to make sure they are still working well for everyone.