Warning Note!

This isn't going to be a long post, but just a simple thought that came to my mind while I was watching TV today.

Amidst recent events, media has been for the most part covering Egypt's revolution and post revolution images and videos. Now my problem isn't with the fact that these images and videos are being displayed - for media transparency and strength are certainly one of the most prominant blessings of our era.

My problem however is with the fact that some of these images are quite disturbing, yet are randomly displayed at any time during the day, without any pre-notice or warning before them whatsoever! Whatever happened to warning notes that used to say "Warning: The following images may disturb some viewers"? In this case, children or viewers sensitive to graphic images would have the liberty and choice of simply switching the channel.

Even when such warning notes were not always made, I recall a number of years ago, that such material would only be displayed towards later times in the day. No, but now, there are no more boundaries...all in the name of 'complete transparency'. A 7 year old child could now be innocently watching the TV on her own at 2pm in the afternoon on a random Friday, and then suddenly, a disturbing video would be displayed showing injured civilians, bombed cars and streets on fire. This child is then expected to continue watching the cartoon series she was watching on the other channel, as if no sort of emotional and psychological disturbance has affected her.

Please, a call for warning notes prior to viewing such images and videos. Media transparency is appreciated, but control and organization is important too.