FILMS UNSUITABLE FOR CHILDREN

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 286, 30 August 1941, Page 5

FILMS UNSUITABLE FOR CHILDREN

Parents’ Responsibility

A suggestion that the Minister of Education, Mr. Masou, endeavour to arrange for au extension of the Censorship of Films Regulations to prevent the showing at Saturday matinees in city and suburban theatres of films certified as “suitable for adults” was made in a remit before the annual conference of the Dominion Federation of School Committees’ Associations. It was pointed out that these matinees are attended by large numbers.of school children. “The position is that the problem of children and films is a continually recurring one and it is difficult to lay down hard aud fast rules in this connexion when each picture varies so much in theme and story treatment,” stated a report by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Parry, received from Mr. Mason.

“In the first place, it should be clearly understood that most films are made primarily for the entertainment of adults. Those films which for any reason seem to be unsuitable for young people have a certificate issued recommending them for adults and films which may have a disturbing effect on young children are approved under a special certificate which states that they are definitely unsuitable for ex hibition to children. It is then obligatory upon renters and exhibitors alike to publish this recommendation for the information of parents ■ and guardians and the department has every reason to believe that this requirement is being faithfully observed. “When such a recommendation is given, it is a matter for the parent or guardian to decide whether his children or wards shall view the film. It resolves itself into a question of parental control. The training and upbringing of children is a parental duty which must be undertaken by the pareut and cannot be delegated to others. “Those films which are approved for general exhibition are pictures which, in the opinion of the censor, contain nothing harmful to children. Scenes or incidents in such productions which might be unsuitable for children to see are eliminated. “In view of the above it is accordingly considered that no further action should be taken in the matter.” The conference accepted the reply of the Minister-