Opinion | Editorials
Parents should see what their children watch
Censors advise cinema managements on ratings deemed most appropriate for all films.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:42 August 21, 2008
Concerns shown by parents and sociologists over the amount of violence in films and television are right to be expressed. However, the often heard refrain of "something must be done" - usually by parents - is a poor attempt at evading responsibility. If a decision is made to bring children into this world, then it is only reasonable to expect parents to monitor and control their children and ensure they have the right attitudes to become an acceptable member of society. If this includes parents imposing discipline upon their offspring, then so be it, for they should be the best persons to impart such knowledge. Expecting schoolteachers to assume parental responsibilities, and blaming them for any deficiencies the children may have had in their upbringing, is merely an effort in buck-passing because the parents are too lazy or too uninformed to do better.
Censorship panels advise cinema managements on the ratings deemed most appropriate for all films. Sadly, the guidelines laid down are not always adhered to and children get to see films which have been deemed unsuitable for them. It is not just a case of cinema managements being more restrictive and controlling, but also for parents to ensure that their children understand the consequence of their actions should they flout the guidelines.
While it is true that some children may appear not to be affected by gratuitous scenes of violence, it is difficult even for psychologists to determine what long-term harm may befall them. What may be acceptable to one child could prove traumatic to another of the same age; it all depends on their education and upbringing.
If parents are worried about their children viewing films, either in the cinema or on TV, then it is in their hands to guide their offspring appropriately.
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