FILMS FOR CHILDREN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 July 1938, Page 2

FILMS FOR CHILDREN

PROTECTING YOUNG PEOPLE Some interesting facts are disclosed in a report on the recreational aspect of the cinema which has been presented to the Advisory Committee of the League of Nations on Social Questions by Mr S. W. Harris, of the British Home Office. It appears, notes the “Spectator,” that most countries protect their youth from the effects of unsuitable films by placing legal restrictions on their admission to cinemas. Indeed, in certain countries complete prohibition of admission exists for children under a minimum age, which varies from five years in Iran and Portugal to as much as 18 in Austria and parts of Switzerland. But more commonly the practice of distinguishing between films suitable and unsuitable for juvenile presentation, such as the “U” and “A” categories into which the films shown in Britain are divided, prevails. There can be no question of the desirability of protecting young people from films which may incite them to criminal or immoral action, or many terrify or in any other way adversely affect them, but it is questionable which is the best way of affording such potection. It can be done negatively by refusing admission to cinemas or positively by providing an adequate supply of suitable films, and by educating the children’s taste. Perhaps the high costs of production and the relatively low profits from performances for children have prevented any serious attempt at the latter course. Yet for many reasons it is the more desirable.