'Home alone' series cleared of putting children at risk

Published on Monday 19 October 2009 20:08

CHANNEL 4 has been cleared of putting child welfare at risk in a series that filmed under-12s living independently of adults.

Despite nearly 200 complaints, the regulator Ofcom was satisfied Boys And Girls Alone – which caused an outcry when it was screened in February – did not cause the children "unnecessary distress or anxiety".

But the series was found to have breached Ofcom's code for safeguarding viewers' sensitivities, because C4 had failed to explain adequately to the audience the lengths it had taken to ensure the protection of the children, aged eight to 12. The regulator said information given "was insufficient to reas sure viewers about their welfare".

Richard McKerrow of programme maker Love Productions said: "The feedback from the participating children and parents has been overwhelmingly positive, and the children involved enjoyed and benefited from the experience."