MUMBAI: UK viewers want stricter controls over the amount of sex that children are exposed to on television.

In a BBC survey, 86 per cent of respondents felt the government should impose tougher restrictions on sexual images on children's television and in magazines aimed at children. The aim is to discourage under-16s from having sex.

The BBC's Healthy Britain survey questioned more than 1000 people on a number of issues including free contraception, sex education and screening services.

As many as 92 per cent of 55 to 64 year olds, and 78 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds backed the idea that the government should be firmer on the issue of sex on children's content.

While 89 per cent of the respondents supported television campaigns and publicity to promote safer sex and highlight the inherent risks of unprotected sex. 10 per cent were not in favour of such a move.

Meanwhile, 78 per cent of those polled supported spending government funds on free condoms to discourage unprotected sex. The figure rises to 91 per cent in the 18 to 24 age group

The phone poll was conducted for the BBC by ICM between 20 and 22 August across England, Scotland and Wales.