FILMS AND THE CHILD
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sm,—Since it is the custom to change film progranunes every three days, busy parents are unable to obtain information to enable them to exercise discretion with regard to their chil- dren's seeing or not seeing the films shown in their locality' But thousands of children view films daily, and it is necessary that some power of censorship be exercised in order that they shall not see films which will assist in the production of liber- tines, criminals, revolutionaries, cranks or nervous wrecks. It is equally necessary that this power be exercised before the films are released throughout the country.
It is true that local councils have the final word in each locality, but since they cannot attend every trade show they must depend on some trade body for guidance ; such a body is the Board of Film Censors, who should provide a guarantee that any entertainment placed before the children is free from influences which might have a devastating effect on nerves or morals. For this purpose in our opinion a new certificate is required which would effectively prevent the public exhibition of any such film to children. This being assured, the discretion of the parent should be exercised in deciding the quantity and type of films their children should see, and it would be exercised with as much unselfishness and as little self-seeking as is humanly possible.—I am, Sir, &e.,
The Order of the Child, ETI1EL TEED. 25 Victoria Street, Westminster, London.
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