Conducted in June 2015, this qualitative survey comprised six focus groups. The project explored the opinion and motivations of these focus groups of young people aged 14–17 from Budapest, Győr, Öttevény, and Miskolc regarding the TV series Budapest Night&Day (original Hungarian title: Éjjel-nappal Budapest). The survey found that what most appealed to the surveyed teens is the show’s entertainment value, and its showcasing of myriad life situations typical for youngsters. It is noteworthy that Budapest survey participants refer to the show as “Night&Day,” those in the countryside as “Budapest.” For the latter, the series amplifies a yearning to move to the capital city, while it appeals to the Budapest crowd that series episodes take place at venues they are quite familiar with. Survey respondents reported that the show is much discussed, with many watching it simply because they wish to be and remain in the loop.

The majority of parents either dislike or are neutral about the series. In Miskolc and vicinity, however, some parents themselves specifically recommended this show for viewing to their children. Boys participating in the survey kept their distance more from the programme than girls, albeit both sexes agreed the male characters of the series are more complex, more interesting than their female counterparts. The teens typically appraised the show’s ins and outs with common sense and responsibly. The survey respondent girls more often than the boys identified with the show’s characters to a greater degree, which could have a detrimental effect on their fledgling self-image and people skills.

The survey findings spotlighted the importance of boosting media awareness. The majority of survey respondents were confused as to the programme’s genre. Although, generally speaking, they deem the way of life depicted in the story unrealistic, for some it is expressly challenging to distinguish this series from reality shows. Further compounding this confusion is that the players post on Facebook under the profile of their character.

Ten to twelve year-olds are also reportedly regular viewers, and they are even more confused as to what exactly is going on. Many of the survey’s teen respondents said of their own accord that they would give Night&Day Budapest a “not recommended for children under 14” classification (not currently an option, since the “not recommended for children under 12” classification is followed by the “not recommended for children under 16” rating).

From its earliest days, the National Media and Infocommunications Authority’s remit has extended beyond media regulation. The Authority has also been actively involved in Hungarian children’s media literacy education via numerous projects and initiatives. In September 2015, the NMHH published a downloadable educational package comprising eight reference books and a three-part educational workbook. This educational package – hard copies of which the Authority also provides to schools – aims primarily to assist media literacy educators. However, media experts, researchers and, obviously, parents will likewise find it useful. Inaugurated a year-and-a-half ago, the Magic Valley Media Literacy Education Centre provides playful, hands-on workshops to youngsters aged 9–16 to teach them media awareness and literacy. Under the NMHH Corporate Social Responsibility remit, the Authority also helps disadvantaged children develop media awareness: to date, Authority staff have already worked with disadvantaged children at four S.O.S. Children’s Villages in playful, engaging media literacy workshops. The NMHH also operates an Internet Hotline service, via which Internet content detrimental to children can be reported. Functioning as advisory body to the Authority President, the Child Protection Internet Roundtable assists responsible parents with filtering software recommendations, available for download at the NMHH website at gyermekbarat.nmhh.hu. Likewise accessible here is the instruction manual for the parental lock for television screens. It is important to be aware that parents’ attention, example setting, and serious conversations with their children will have a multiplier effect on child protection-related Authority efforts. Again, the family who pays attention to its members is the best filter, the most effective means of child protection.

The full text of the survey summary of teen viewers of Budapest Day&Night – interspersed with typical teen banter and quotes – is available on the www.nmhh.hu website.