MEDIA RELEASE -
Harry Potter is M, but merchandising may mislead

24 November 2005

The Classification Review Board (CRB) yesterday upheld the M classification for the latest Harry Potter movie—Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Ms Elizabeth Handsley, Vice President of the Australian Council for Children and the Media, trading as Young Media Australia (YMA), today applauded this decision, stating “This is a sensible recognition of the fact that fantasy violence, even in the context of a well known children’s book series, can be disturbing to young children.”

Ms Jane Roberts, President of YMA agreed: “We believe this decision is a timely reminder that fantasy violence can have an adverse impact on children. However, we must still warn parents to heed the M rating (that is, that the movie is not recommended for those under 15 years of age) rather than being misled by the marketing of Harry Potter toys and other products to very young children that the movie is okay for them.”

She went on to say: “As long as the marketing and merchandising industry targets very young children with merchandise and toy tie ins, thereby leading them to believe that the movie is suitable for them, YMA must remind parents to be even more vigilant in knowing the content of movies before deciding whether or not they are appropriate for their children.” She urged parents to read the child friendly movie reviews on YMA’s award-winning Know Before You Go: Movie Review Service, accessible via the YMA website (www.youngmedia.org.au) or the YMA Helpline (1800 700 357) (national, freecall, 24/7). It is anticipated that YMA’s review of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire will be available before the movie opens nationally on 1 December, and a short version printed in the Adelaide Advertiser on Saturday 3 December.

YMA, a not-for-profit organisation, is a unique national body whose members share a strong commitment to the promotion of the healthy development of Australian children, with a particular interest in the role the media plays in that development. It is committed to promoting better choices and providing stronger voices in children’s media.

YMA established the national freecall Young Media Australia Helpline (1800 700 357) and Website (www.youngmedia.org.au) services in July 2002. Both services provide information and advice to parents, caregivers and the general community about the impact of the media on children.

For more information or to arrange an interview,
please call Jane Roberts (WA) on 0410 509 685, or
Elizabeth Handsley (SA) on 08 8201 5256 (bus.) or 08 8272 1170 (h)