The Ministry of Education does not engage in any kind of censorship, but it is required by law and its competence to judge the suitability of shows which are attended by schools as a group
The Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth (MESY), in addition to the theatrical activity developed within the schools themselves, promotes, on the basis of the Regulations in force and as is its policy, the participation of pupils of all ages in theatrical events and encourages the attendance of selected theatrical performances.
In no way does it contemplate or exercise "censorship", as has been suggested in public statements. But through responsible procedures it ensures that children can, according to their age, attend recommended theatrical performances as provided for in the Schools' Operating Regulations.
It is understandable that within society, and therefore among parents, there may be divergent views, philosophical beliefs and sensitivities on social or moral issues and there are often conflicting views. For this reason, when it is decided that the children of either a school or a department should attend a theatrical performance as a group, there should be certainty that it is generally agreed to be suitable for their age, but also that such controversy should be avoided. The Ministry of Education must always act taking into account any views of parents who may be moving in one direction or another, as well as wider views and suggestions, but in any case it has a responsibility to act with a view to the proper education of all children and the school community, to deal with them appropriately according to their age and maturity and to the proper functioning of the school.
The Committees set up each year at the Ministry of Education and Culture, which are responsible for judging the suitability of performances for attendance by pupils, are made up of qualified educators. These are professional educators who have both the knowledge and the scientific background, as well as the experience associated with children of similar ages. They are professional educators with the competence to judge, not only on the attendance of a theatrical performance, but more generally on the education of children, according to their age and their emotional and intellectual readiness.
With regard to this judgment, it is noted that both internationally and in our country, the marking of film and television content according to age is provided for, following an examination and exercise of judgment. Therefore, the State provides for age-appropriateness, without this giving rise to discussions of "censorship".
The task of the Directorate of Primary Education and the Ministry of Education in general to approve the suitability of performances intended to be attended by groups of children is carried out by committees of Ministry officials who must take into account pedagogical criteria as well as their understanding of the intellectual, emotional and psychological development of children at each age. Since the proposals are addressed to and cover a whole school population, these Committees also have the responsibility to contribute to avoid counter-confrontations through which different philosophical, ethical or ideological approaches are invested, thus affecting the school community. This would avoid controversy, but there would be a loss of the pedagogical function of a group viewing in the context of the school's operation.
Alternatively, the Ministry of Education and Culture may also consider establishing a procedure for a marking, depending on age, and theatrical content, as is already the case for audiovisual material/content for cinemas and television.
Concerning the procedures followed in the case of "Around the world in 80 days" and because the facts are quite different from some of the claims made publicly, a detailed information note is provided here.
(Mg/SX)
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