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APPENDIX 1: Incorporated in Hansard on 20 September 1995 at page 1569.

MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION TAKEN ON NOTICE 23 AUGUST 1995Films and Videos in Schools

MR OSBORNE - asked the Minister for Education and Training:

Recently my office received a complaint from the parent of a Year 3 child that was forced by their teacher to sit through an M-rated entertainment video that the child knew their parent would disapprove of. What is the Government's policy for schools showing entertaining videos during class time? Is it a common practice to do so and why? And, most importantly, who chooses the videos and should not our schools at least offer parents lists of available films for their approval, or else provide an alternative activity?

MR STEFANIAK - the answer to Mr Osborne's question is:

The Department of Education and Training has issued instructions to schools on the use of films and videos in class time.

Films and videos can provide a valuable and challenging educational experience in the context of the curriculum. However, excursions to films, or the screening of videos at school, also involve decisions about the suitability of material. Teachers are expected to take reasonable care to ensure that material screened is suitable for the age group concerned and is not likely to disturb or offend the students or their parents.

It is expected that teachers pay attention to censorship ratings. Films and videos should be previewed if there is any reason to be unsure whether students or their parents may be disturbed or offended. If necessary a permission note is sent home explaining the nature of the material and giving parents the option to indicate whether their child should view the film or video.

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