The Parliament of Fiji has today successfully passed the Cinematographic Film Amendment Bill, introducing significant updates to the country’s film classification system to better serve families in the digital age. One of the key provisions of this amendment is the establishment of a new Parental Guidance (PG) rating intended for films suitable for children aged between six and twelve. This initiative aims to enhance viewing options for younger audiences while upholding necessary content standards.
During the parliamentary discussions, Attorney General Graham Leung emphasized that the Film Board had previously reviewed the classification framework back in 2019, resulting in stricter measures that inadvertently led to the removal of the PG rating. This limitation had significantly restricted the accessibility of various films for younger viewers. Leung stated, “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 move is poised to rekindle family movie experiences and promote shared enjoyment.
Apart from the PG rating, the amendment also redefines an adult as a person above the age of 18, a crucial change that aims to standardize legal definitions regarding minors and adults. Minister for Women and Children, Sashi Kiran, underscored that this legislation is vital in protecting kids from exposure to harmful content, asserting that the current Act does not adequately offer parental guidance or safeguards against inappropriate material.
However, concerns were raised by Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj regarding the impact on the cinema industry, questioning how effectively cinemas could verify that only guardians or parents accompany children to view films. Despite these concerns, Leung maintained that the goal of the bill is to empower parents with the tools to make informed decisions regarding their children’s viewing options.
The introduction of the PG rating reflects a broader effort to balance child protection with the need for families to both enjoy and engage with a diverse range of films. It aligns with other governmental actions, such as ongoing initiatives to strengthen child protection laws and regulate media content as discussions around online safety continue to evolve.
Overall, this legislative step signals promising progress for the film industry in Fiji and creates a safer viewing environment for children. The community is hopeful that these changes will foster greater engagement among families and encourage responsible media consumption among youth.
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