PICTURE SHOWS AND CHILDREN.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 3 November 1920, Page 4

PICTURE SHOWS AND CHILDREN.

REPORT OF N.Z. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE COMMITTEE.

The special committee set up by the 1920 Conference of tire New Zealand Educational Institute to report to the executive during the recess on the subject of “Moving Pictures in Relation to the Physical. Mental, and Moral Effect *n Children,” has concluded its investigations after an exhaustive exploration of the various aspects ov the question. In approaching the subject the committee decided to obtain, by means of a questionaire. a poll of Representative opinion from local bodies, church societies. labour unions, educational and social organisations, medical Associations, magistrates, and individual members of the community The form of the questionaire was follows: — Do your consider, —- 1. That moving pictures. as at present shown, have an injurious offer npou children and young people, aa-.l if so. in what way? 2. That children attend pictures toe frequently ? 3. That the standard of picture shown would be elevated by any of the following means:— (a) Stricter censorship. (In this connection is n woman censor advisable?) (b) Muicipnl control. (c) Government control, through Education Department, of pic tores for children. (d) Classification of picture tilrninto fi.) adult programme, (ii.) school children programme. Result of Investigation. All examination of the large number of answers received revealed a unanimity of opinion quite astonish ing, considering the varying nature of the sources consulted, and made the work of the committee in drawing up. its recommendation; a comparatively easy one. * The committee it of the opinion that the moving picture may be made a strong force in educational, social, and similar development, but condemns the demoralising effect on the young of the present conditions under which children are—(a) Continually shown pictures of unsuitable and demoralising (b) Frequently taken cut until late hours at night; (e) congregated vitiated atmo, sphere for considerable periods. The committee recommends: 1. That programmes be ciassiiied. and that children under 14 years he net allowed to attend other than “junior” programmes. 2. That suitable programmes be issued through the Education Department. .3. That pieturei.be shown, when possible in school buildings, and when this is not practicable in ordinary picture theatres during daylight hours. 4. That in the interests of adolescents and in the upraising of popular taste the censorship be stricter and more discriminating. 5. That a Board of Censors, to include a woman and a representative of teachers, be established. ’

6, That the censorship be extended to posters- and advertisements.— “Evening Post.”