Child abuse? Psychologically damaging? Big Brother for kids? These are just some of the criticisms directed towards Channel 4’s recent four-part series Boys and Girls Alone. This month The TV Show asked, did programme makers go too far? What was it about this series that caused so much controversy?
Joining Krishnan in the studio to answer viewers’ questions were Channel 4’s head of factual entertainment, Andrew MacKenzie, along with the executive producers from Love Productions, Richard McKerrow and David Dehane.
Amongst those putting their points to the programme makers were child psychologist Melanie Gill and author Sue Palmer – both signatories of to a letter to The Times (14 February), which alleged that the series contained “child abuse and cruelty”. We also heard from Liz Lammin, whose son Matthew appeared in the series.
Also in the audience was Christine Pratt, CEO of the National Bullying Helpline. A lively on-air debate and limited air time meant that her views didn’t make the programme, but Krishnan and the crew stayed behind a short while to make sure that she – along with Terry Drury from the National Network for Children in Employment and Entertainment – got to have their say. Please take a look at our web exclusive video to find out what they had to say.
If you missed the debate, or would like to watch it again, watch the full video here and let us know what you think. Do you agree with the comments that were made?
Also featured on the show this month; a round-up of the latest TV news, plus a selection of viewer vox pops from The TV Show’s recent trip to Chester.
The next edition of The TV Show will be broadcast in April. If you’d like to get involved in the debate by joining the studio audience please contact thetvshow@princesstv.com.
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