The Parliament of Fiji has successfully passed the Cinematographic Film Amendment Bill, bringing significant reforms to the film classification system to better accommodate families in today’s digital landscape. A notable highlight of this amendment is the introduction of a new Parental Guidance (PG) rating, specifically designed for films suitable for children aged six to twelve. This initiative seeks to expand viewing options for younger audiences while ensuring that content standards are maintained.
During the parliamentary sessions, Attorney General Graham Leung pointed out that the Film Board had assessed the classification framework in 2019, resulting in stricter measures that unintentionally eliminated the PG rating. This decision had severely limited access to numerous films for younger viewers. Leung remarked, “By introducing the PG classification under Section 13 of the Act, we’re able to give parents that responsibility while at the same time ensuring that children have access to age-appropriate content in a way that is supervised and structured.” This legislative change is expected to revitalize family movie experiences and encourage shared enjoyment among generations.
In addition to the PG rating, the amendment also clarifies that an adult is a person over the age of 18, which standardizes legal definitions concerning minors and adults. Minister for Women and Children, Sashi Kiran, emphasized the importance of this legislation in safeguarding children against harmful content, noting that the previous Act lacked adequate parental guidance and protections against inappropriate material.
However, concerns were expressed by Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj regarding the potential impact on the cinema industry, specifically in terms of verifying that only guardians accompany children to watch films. Despite these apprehensions, Leung reiterated that the bill aims to empower parents to make informed decisions about their children’s media consumption.
The introduction of the PG rating represents a broader commitment to balancing child protection with the enjoyment of diverse films for families. This move aligns with ongoing governmental efforts to strengthen child protection laws and regulate media content in response to evolving discussions around online safety.
Overall, this amendment signals positive progress for Fiji’s film industry and cultivates a safer viewing environment for children. The community remains optimistic that these changes will enhance family engagement and promote responsible media consumption among the youth.
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