Classification of Porn for Films, but Not Children's Books?
The Need for Classification of Children's Books: Protecting Young Minds
I’m summarising an excellent talk by Angela Roja on the lack of classification of porn targeted at children. (https://x.com/KidsDefence/status/1803978610765893800 )
In an era where information is abundant and easily accessible, the need for proper classification of children's books has become more critical than ever. At In Defence of Children’s X-Space, Angela Rojas, a mother of three teenagers and a trained assessor and classifier for film and games, highlighted significant concerns regarding the content available to children and teens in libraries and schools. Her submission for modernising Australia's National Classification Scheme brings to light the urgent need for reforms in how children's books are classified. This blog post will delve into the key points of her argument and explore why it is essential to implement stricter classification standards for children's books.
Current State of Publication Classification
Many people assume that all books available in libraries, schools, and bookstores have been classified by the Australian Classification Board. However, this is not the case. Unlike videos and games, publications are not required to be classified unless they meet the definition of a ‘Submittable Publication.’ The current classification categories for publications include Unrestricted, Category 1 (R18+), Category 2 (X18+), and RC (Refused Classification). However, many books remain unclassified, leaving parents and caregivers unaware of potentially harmful content.
The Inconsistency in Classification Standards
Films and games in Australia are subject to strict classification standards that include consumer advice on covers, helping parents make informed decisions. For instance, highly detailed sexual imagery in films and games is rated R18+ with appropriate consumer advice. In contrast, books, which often contain more detailed and explicit content, are not subjected to the same scrutiny. This inconsistency can result in children and teens being exposed to inappropriate material.
Angela Rojas highlighted several examples of this disparity. The graphic novel series ‘The Boys’ includes depictions of bestiality, which are implied rather than shown in its video adaptation. Similarly, manga books often contain more explicit depictions and coarse language compared to their anime adaptations. Even popular book series like ‘50 Shades of Grey’ have far more explicit descriptions than their film versions.
The Impact of Sexually Explicit Content on Young Readers
One of the most pressing concerns is the presence of sexually explicit content in books targeted at children and teens. Books like ‘Juliet Takes a Breath’ by Gabby Rivera, intended for grades 7 to 9, contain coarse language and sexual references that would otherwise warrant a higher classification in films and games. Detailed descriptions of sexual activity, fetish, or kink are often found in books for teens, with some even providing instructions on the use of sex toys, bondage, and sexting.
The unrestricted access to such content can have detrimental effects on young readers. Exposure to explicit material at a young age can influence their understanding of sexuality and relationships, potentially leading to harmful behaviours and attitudes. It is crucial for parents and caregivers to have clear consumer advice on book covers to guide them in selecting age-appropriate reading material for their children.
Community and Government Actions
Angela Rojas' experience as an advocate for proper classification at the local government level underscores the need for community involvement. In her deputation speech at the Port Adelaide and Enfield Council meeting, she requested conditions on how certain books are accessed and displayed in public libraries, as well as an audit of library collections for 'submittable publications.'
Local and state government policies should align with the overarching goal of protecting minors from unsuitable content. It is prohibited and unlawful for local and state government departments to use online resources to access, transmit, publish, or communicate any material that is pornographic or offensive. However, the same standards are not consistently applied to physical books in libraries and schools.
Corporate Responsibility
Publishing companies also have a significant role to play in ensuring that children's books are appropriately classified. Major publishers like Penguin Random House and Kindle Direct Publishing have guidelines against publishing offensive or sexually explicit content. Despite this, many books containing such material still reach young readers. Publishers must adhere to their own guidelines and submit books for classification review before distribution.
Proposed Reforms and Recommendations
To protect children and provide clear consumer advice, several reforms and recommendations are necessary:
Mandatory Classification: All books, especially those targeted at children and teens, should be classified similarly to films and games.
Consumer Advice on Covers: Books should display classification ratings and consumer advice to help parents make informed choices.
Audit and Enforcement: Local governments should conduct audits of library collections and enforce classification standards.
Sealed Packaging for Explicit Content: Sexually explicit books should be wrapped and sealed to restrict access by minors.
Online Safety Measures: Stricter regulations should be implemented to protect children from accessing unsuitable online content.
Conclusion
The lack of proper classification for children's books poses a significant risk to young readers. Angela Rojas' talk and her submission for modernizing Australia's National Classification Scheme, linked below, highlights the urgent need for reforms to protect children from explicit and harmful content. By implementing stricter classification standards, providing clear consumer advice, and enforcing regulations at both local and state levels, we can ensure that children and teens have access to age-appropriate reading material that supports their healthy development.
Protecting young minds from inappropriate content is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of parents, educators, governments, and publishers. Let us work together to create a safer and more informed reading environment for our children.