Forum: Should KPop Demon Hunters be played in pre-schools and primary schools?

My daughter recently attended her Primary 1 orientation. During the session, a teacher played a YouTube music video of KPop Demon Hunters.

Parents were not present with the children at the time.

I later found out from other parents that many schools – including pre-schools – have also been showing the film.

One mother said her son’s childcare centre screened the entire film as part of Children’s Day celebrations. In other schools, teachers performed to songs from the film during Children’s Day events.

However, are such uses and references to the film appropriate? Officially, the film is rated PG.

Both raisingchildren.net.au and Common Sense Media – research-based websites that provide detailed age ratings and content reviews for movies, books, shows and games – have stated that the film is unsuitable for children below 10 years old.

The film contains dark imagery (like demons and possession, and fighting sequences) that may be frightening or confusing for young children. It also includes some sexual references.

The supernatural or “demon hunter” themes may also conflict with certain families’ personal, cultural or religious beliefs.

The film’s PG rating indicates that parents should be involved in deciding whether their children are exposed to such content – not the school.

Pre-schools and primary schools should not be the first point of exposure for children to films such as this. Furthermore, if a movie or television show is not age-appropriate, its soundtrack should likewise not be used in school events.

Showing or playing any part of the film in school may inadvertently spark curiosity and encourage children who have not seen it to seek it out.

Do pre-schools and primary schools have clear guidelines regarding the use of pop culture materials in classrooms and school events?

Trends will come and go, but pop culture is here to stay. It is easy to follow trends without realising the potential impact on young, impressionable minds.

Schools have a duty to ensure that the content shared with students is wholesome, moral and age-appropriate.

Li Pui Wing