CMA supports ECEC services on movie days with latest release reviews

Children and Media Australia (CMA) is a resource that supports early childhood education and care (ECEC) educators when choosing movie entertainment for children in their care.

“Whether you’re planning to take the children in your care to the cinema or turning to streaming services for their movie entertainment, be sure to check out CMA’s website for reviews of the latest releases available in cinemas and through Disney+, Netflix, Apple TV and SBS On Demand,” said CMA Honorary CEO Barbara Biggins.

CMA’s Know Before You Go collection of over 1,600 movies is easily searched by title; by age suitability [from 4 to 15 years]; by classification [G, PG, M, MA15+]; and by review date from newest to oldest.

Each review has a colour guide to indicate clearly its appropriateness to children between the ages of 4 and 15 years.

Content marked green is age appropriate for children of the searched for age. Content marked orange indicates some content may not be appropriate for children this age, while a red marking indicates that the content is not suitable or appropriate for children in that age category. 

Each review also provides: 

• a synopsis of the movie and its key themes; 
• the use of violence and inclusion of material that may scare or disturb children; 
• product placement; 
• sexual references, nudity and sexual activity; 
• the use of substances and coarse language; and, 
• incisive suggestions to stimulate discussion.

“Even a movie classified G, for general viewing, may contain images and messages that are inappropriate for some. So, why risk it?” Ms Biggins added.  

CMA’s reviewers have tertiary qualifications and expertise in child development, and the service is award winning.

CMA is the national peak body representing children’s interests as digital and screen media users. CMA provides information, tools and resources to empower families and carers to nurture children in a safe and stimulating environment, while being a voice for evidence-based policy and practice at the societal level.

Its 20-year collection of movie reviews is provided at no cost, and CMA does not harvest data on those who visit its website. To learn more about CMA’s advocacy and support for children as media consumers, visit its website.