Sir — The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s advisory to television channels to restrict broadcast of condom advertisements between 6 am and 10 pm, since they could be indecent/inappropriate for viewing by children, is surely going to attract a lot of criticism especially by the media and the elite. Come to think of it, why must we expose kids to such advertisements on television when we still lack proper sex education classes in schools, and parents still don’t understand how to sensitise their children about the sameIJ
The Advertising Code of the Cable Television Network Rules of 1994 seeks to bar any advertisement “which endangers the safety of children or create in them any interest in unhealthy practices or shows them begging or in an undignified or indecent manner”. The code also does not allow “indecent, vulgar, suggestive, repulsive or offensive themes or treatment” of advertisements. Most of the high-definition ads are highly sexualised and glamourising sex.
Condoms are not just for steamy sex but also to protect from unwanted pregnancy and the spreading of STDs.