The Office of Censorship started the National Shareholders Consultative Workshop on Thursday at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby, where the Research Findings on Media & Sexual Content was presented.
The Director National Research Institute Dr. Osbourne Sanida in his opening remarks, said that mass media plays an important role in education and in the dissemination of useful information in Papua New Guinea.
“If the content of the information that is disseminated is not managed properly, it has the potential to corrupt the mindset and behavior of people, especially the young people, who are the focus of this report.”
Dr. Osbourne said the report being presented today by the Office of the Censorship & the Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Religion, is timely as young people have an ever-increasing access to internet and all kinds of information.
“The question now is, what sort of information are young people accessing?”
He explained that the content provided by the mass media may have adverse effects, especially on young people, it is important to regulate the materials to avoid strapping them in their education of emotional, psychological and of course their general wellbeing.”
Dr. Sanida explained that developing countries continue to face the challenge of regulating and filtering information by mass media as they do not have the adequate technology, funding or experience to provide such control.
He added that this is why the research was done and its outcomes are very important for a way forward for PNG.
“For PNG to have a breakthrough in managing the materials that mass media provides in the country, relevant government agencies should consider drawing lessons from other countries that have done well, as well as continue to create more awareness on the negative impacts that materials such as sexual content and violence can have on young children, and the need for parents to regulate the content of material that their children access.”
He said this report on Media & Sexual Content sets the tone for broader discussions on the content of information disseminated to young people.
“The report itself will not address the current issues that we have until all the recommendations within it, are implemented in an effective manner.”
“So, it is my hope ambition that the recommendations of the report will be effectively and efficiently implemented and I believe that this workshop is a start on that journey.”
Dr. Osbourne concluded his speech by highlighting the role the PNGNRI has in addressing socio-economic matters, which is by gathering and analyzing information to arrive at recommendations and that they at the PNGNRI look forward to future collaborations with the Office of Censorship and all other stakeholders in addressing other such issues.
The workshop and presentation of research findings will ran throughout Thursday and will conclude today.
Meanwhile, in attendance today was Minister for Community Development, Youth & Religion Mr. Jason Peter, Secretary to the Department of National Planning & Monitoring Mr. Jerry Ubase, Chief Censor Mr. Jim Abani, the Director of the National Research Institute Dr. Osbourne Sanida, as well as stakeholder representatives.