MEDIA RELEASE
King Kong is not kids’ stuff

“King Kong is, for young children, one of the year’s most scary M classified movies” warns Jane Roberts, President of Young Media Australia (YMA), “and yet it is being widely promoted to the under 8s via cereal packets and fast food meals”

She continued “The movie has many scenes that will horrify, and are nightmare material for young children.” Elizabeth Handsley, YMA’s Vice President, added “The promotions that food manufacturers currently have out there could mislead children and parents into attending the movie, not realising that the official classification is M, that is not recommended for those under the age of 15 years. It is time this apparent disregard for the welfare of children stopped.”

Parents are urged to check the content of King Kong by either ringing the YMA Helpline (1800 700 357) or going to the YMA website (www.youngmedia.org.au). Use of YMA’s award winning “Know before You Go” service can save children unnecessary distress and ongoing trauma.

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)