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Welcome to YMA’s new initiative – a list of non violent media for under sevens.
There are lists for three types of media: Movies and short DVDs, Television programs and Computer games.
YMA recommends that:
- Wherever possible you watch movies, DVDs and television programs with your under seven year old. When you do, they learn more, anything scary becomes less scary, you provide a ‘reality check’ for what they are seeing and, by doing an activity together, you are helping to build a relationship with them. You can reinforce with your children your family’s values and discuss cultural sensitivities as needed.
- When a TV program, movie, DVD or computer game is finished, the TV or computer is turned off, and the child directed to another activity, rather than leaving the TV on as background.
- Limits are placed on the amount of time your under seven year old spends watching TV or at the computer. For children under seven, with many other important developmental tasks to undertake, one hour a day of total screen time is plenty.
Movies and short DVDs
The list of movies and short DVDs, while by no means exhaustive, includes full length movies, fiction and non-fiction, short movies and compilation DVD’s.
In the case of DVDs, only the movies themselves were reviewed, not additional material such as games and bonus footage.
Some items are part of a series and only the volumes specified have actually been reviewed. In these instances, parents might need to exercise some caution when choosing other titles from the same series.
Television programs
The list of TV Programs, includes programs that were screening on free to air television, digital television (ABC 2) and Foxtel a the time of the review period.
Each review is based on three episodes of every show. While this is enough to provide a snapshot of the content and characters, it may not be a reflection of the entire series. Therefore parents may wish to exercise further caution in selecting appropriate media for their children.
Computer games
The list of computer games includes games across all major platforms and some internet games. Each review is based on playing the game for several hours. While this is enough to provide an overview of the game and most interactions, it was not possible to review every level of game. Therefore parents may wish to exercise further caution in selecting appropriate media for their children
Find out more about the YMA non-violent media lists:
How the list was created
This list of non-violent media has been developed by a small team of children’s professionals in the fields of education and psychology, who reviewed hundreds of DVDs, TV programs and computer games.
What titles were reviewed?
The reviewers reviewed hundreds of titles with the following initial criteria:
- rated G by the Australian Government Classification Board
- age appropriate for under sevens
- narrative or recreational, that is, designed to entertain (e.g. not educational, not documentary).
What do we mean by ‘non-violent’ media?
The reviewers used this definition of violence:
“Media depictions of aggressive interpersonal acts, which are deliberate, that is, intended to harm”
For more detail about the full definition of violence used, click here: Definition of Violence.
How many titles are included?
The current list contains just over 200 titles.
What is in each review?
Each review includes
- YMA recommendation
- The most suitable age range
- About the movie
- Synopsis
- Points to consider, including words of caution and positive aspects
- Questions to ask, etc
Recommendations
The titles that were approved to go on the lists contain no violence. However, in some instances we felt that there were other aspects of the product that parents may wish to know about before deciding to hire or buy the product.
So for each title, you will find a YMA recommendation:
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Approved as non-violent media |
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Approved as non-violent media, with caution.
If a yellow icon displays, cautionary notes describing the reasons will be included. |
Age groups
YMA age recommendations are made in three groupings which are advisory only and not necessarily restricted to that particular age:
Ages 2–4
Media in this age group has been targeted to pre-schoolers by its use of language, the speed of delivery and general content.
Ages 5–7
Media in this age group is more appropriate for 5-7s due to its content, themes and length.
Ages 2–7
Media in this age group is considered appropriate for all children aged 2-7.
Why nothing for under 2s?
The most important developmental task of children under the age of 2 is to develop relationships with their caregivers.
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation states that “pediatricians should discourage television-viewing for children younger than 2 years and encourage more interactive activities that will promote proper brain development, such as talking, playing, singing, and reading together.” (Vanderwater, et al, 2007)
Therefore we have not included any recommended media for children under the age of 2.
Reference
Vanderwater, et al, (2007), Pediatrics 119:1006, Digital Childhood: Electronic Media and Technology Use Among Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/119/5/e1006
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