MEDIA RELEASE
M rated movies target young boys

As school holidays approach, parents are reminded that there are many movies showing at the moment which are rated M (recommended for 15 years and over) but which will appeal to much younger boys. For example, a recent caller to the YMA Helpline asked for advice about two such movies, Daredevil and Catch Me if You Can. Her 12 year old son and a friend were home on a pupil free day, and were keen to see them. The caller, from suburban Melbourne, was unsure so called the YMA Helpline. After hearing an account of the violence in both of these movies, she told the boys they would have to come up with another alternative. Like most callers to the YMA Helpline, she was very grateful for the help which enabled her to make her decision and be quite clear with her son about her reasons.

The Movie Review Service is available at any time and is particularly popular during school holidays. It provides callers with descriptions of a movie’s content, reviewed from a child’s point of view, with particular attention to violent material and material that young children may find scary.

Launched in July 2002, the YMA Helpline has now been in operation for nine months. Helpline operators come from a strong child development and parenting perspective and provide callers with research based information about the media and its impact on children. The Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and includes access to a Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS).

Callers are encouraged to talk through these and other media issues with the experienced and friendly YMA Helpline operators.

To view our selection of movie reviews, please visit the Movie Review page. For additional information call the national freecall Young Media Australia Helpline (1800 700 357).