Television companies must try and stop children from embarrassing themselves on air , amid fears that their parents may not always have their best interests at heart . Ofcom , the broadcasting regulator , called for the crackdown after a flood of viewer complaints about the way children are treated on shows like Benefit Street or Jeremy Kyle , where they are openly mocked or shown in severe distress . In one instance , a 17-year-old guest on Jeremy Kyle was accused of having slept with 33 men , and told that her mother would disown her for stealing . Scroll down for video . In one instance a 17-year-old guest on Jeremy Kyle was accused of having slept with 33 men , and told that her mother would disown her for stealing . In another , children were ‘ vilified ’ on Benefits Street , the Channel 4 series which follows a street-full of families which live off state welfare . Viewers complained that the individuals sacrificed their ‘ dignity ’ for entertainment , even though their own parents did not complain about the treatment . In a new set of guidelines , which raise worrying questions about the lengths people will go to for fame , Ofcom has now told television producers to be wary about parents ’ motives for allowing their children on air . Broadcasters should ‘ form their own judgements ’ about how much children should be allowed to do or say on camera , and not ‘ rely solely on the assurances of parents or guardians , particularly where vested interests may be involved , ’ it said . The warning comes amid growing concerns that parents allow their children to embarrass themselves on television in exchange for a fee , or because they are offered all-expenses paid hospitality , including restaurant meals and overnight stays in hotels . Other parents allow their offspring on air in the hope that they will become celebrities , a source said . Broadcasters should continue featuring children in their programmes , but they must take care that they are emotionally and mentally mature enough to cope with the public exposure , Ofcom said . ‘ Children form strong views and feelings from a very early age and these deserve to be seen and heard in programmes . However , the ability of participants to weigh up the potential consequences of participation can vary widely . In another instance , children were ‘ vilified ’ on Benefits Street , the Channel 4 series which follows a street-full of families which live off state welfare . Pictured is James Turner Street where the show was set . ‘ Children and young people differ in their vulnerabilities and resilience ; their age , gender , physical and mental capacity , their maturity , their cultural , ethnic and religious background and their previous life experiences can all affect how they might respond to specific circumstances and nature of performance. ’ Ofcom warned television companies to watch children ’ s body language , and made it explicit that they have a choice to opt out of appearing on television , in order to ensure that they are not being pushed into it by adults . And even if broadcasters do think they can deal with the public profile , children must be taught how to deal with potential bullying , including on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter . There has been a huge increase in online bullying since Ofcom last updated its guidelines for protecting minors , six years ago , but the rise of this so-called ‘ trolling ’ now needs to be factored in at ‘ an early stage ’ of production , the regulator said . ‘ Broadcasters should consider the impact of social media and the risk of bullying , including online bullying , on the child participant , and take appropriate steps to advise the young person and their parents [ or ] carers ’ . The crackdown follows a string of controversies about the way children are treated on air . In late 2013 , ITV was found guilty of breaching broadcasting rules for airing an episode of Jeremy Kyle , where a guest called her 17-year-old sister a ‘ silly anorexic slapper ’ , and alleged that she had slept with 33 men . The teenager was visibly distressed as she was attacked on air . She was also accused of stealing her mother ’ s camera , and told that she would never see her mother again if she failed a lie detector test protesting her innocence .
repeated calls for violence after being openly mocked or shown in distress . In one instance , a 17-year - old girl on Jeremy channel was accused of sleeping with 33 men . Children were ' vilified ' on the controversial channel 4 series celebrity Street .