THE DANGER OF UNSUITABLE READING

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 168, 15 July 1908, Page 8

THE DANGER OF UNSUITABLE READING

(To the Editor.) Sir, — With regard to literature, the freedom which modern New Zealand children enjoy is really astonishing. A considerable amount of harm may be caused by the influence of unsuitable books. Especially among the working classes of New Zealand this freedom ma3> be observed. Instead of being allowed to read only a few selected books approved by their parents, modern children read whatever comes within their reach. The question naturally arises, "Is that course desirable?" I say most emphatically, "No." Anyone who has had experience with children knows how easily the majority of them are influenced. Books are like companions; they exert a considerable influence either for good or ■ for bad over the undeveloped minds of children who read them. Now, for instance, take those stories such as Dick Turpin, School Desperadoes, etc. The school-boy who reads these sorts of stories, as a rule immediately becomes fired with a desire to act as the heroes of the books did. He thinks how delightful it must be to be free. Nine out of every ten cases of juveniles who appear at the Police Court to answer charges of theft, etc., are the results of the common practice of allowing children to read whatever they please. It may thus be shown that bad books have almost the same influence on children's morals as unwholesome surroundings have. This, however, is not the only effect unsuitable reading has on children's minds. Besides filling their heads with all kinds of foolish and nonsensical ideas, it makes them disinclined for stud)'. Take for instance the ordinary school child. Time after time teachers have noticed that the child, who is stupid at lessons is continually reading unwholesome books. On the other hand, the child who takes little interest in books of that description, generally pays more attention to tho lessons, and is a brighter and more intelligent child to teach. Several eminent physicians have testified that unwholesome reading dulls the brain; besides that it gives children wrong impressions of life. Especially with regard to the hooks some girls are so fond of reading can this be said. Of course, there are extremes in everything. It does not do to keep children in ignorance of what is going on in the world. I know several instances where parents refuse to allow their children to read, the newspapers. Now, while there is very often objectionable matter in some papers, the leaders and sub-leaders, as well as the cablegrams, in most of our newspapers, provide very interesting and instructive reading matter for children as well as adults. A lady friend of mine remarked to mp the other day what a great amount of freedom modern children have, to what children of long ago had. "Why." she .said, "until I was sixteen I was only allowed to read two books besides my school books." "And what books were they?" I asked. "'Pilgrim's Progress,' and the Bible," she answered. Now that, T consider, was going to an unnecessary

extreme. It reminds one of the strict ideas, of Puritanism. At the same time, I think, it cannot be urged too strongly upon parents the considerable evils that result from unwnolesome reading. It is therefore the duty of everybody responsible in any way for children, to see that only suitable reading is provided for them. I am, etc.,