Parental Guidance: Summer Heights High's Impact

I am Laura Waters. As producer of Summer Heights High, I am well placed to give some advice on this matter. I am writing to reply to your request for advice which you had put onto the ABC blog. Before you decide whether or not you believe your child should watch this show, I will outline the key things to consider. One of the main concerns is the offensive language used throughout the show. More important features to recognise is the behaviours and values shown throughout.

The language that is used may influence children who are younger than 15 years of age to use the inappropriate language themselves. In one episode one of the characters use inappropriate language such as “Sorry, Ranga” or “It's not appropriate because he's homo”. This language used could suggest to

children under 15 years of age that it is appropriate to use this sort of language. The show uses ‘satire’, this means, the use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to show and criticize people's stupidity mainly in the situation of current policies and other issues. The language is used to show the audience satire. It is highly recommended to consider the language used throughout.

Humour is shown throughout the use of language. An example of this is when Ja’mie asks "Why would you go to Summer Heights High? It's like the boganest school in the world." The audience is able to find this quote humorous as the word Boganest is thought to be a word which people find quite funny.

But when Ja’mie quoted that “My breasts would have been bigger but I had an eating disorder in year eight so they didn't develop”. This example given shows language like this is can be seen as offensive to those who have dealt with an eating or on the opposite end, even relatable as Ja’mie has the willingness to open up about her eating concerns. The use of offensive language is to further the development of the characters stereotype. This series is a satire and the characters are exaggerated to the point of being offensive to show the audience that the positions of students and even teachers at school is exaggerated by putting a stereotype of them.

The characters behaviour throughout the show are to further develop the characters and their stereotype.

The characters actions show how bullying is evident in primary and high schools. This can have a negative impact on the audience as it may offend certain people, for example, when Jonah quoted “I just made a comment about him being fat. He is, sir. Look at him”. The audience may believe that actions such as calling people fat is inappropriate. As parents you need to consider whether or not you think you child should be watching this show and whether you believe that the characters actions and language may influence your child.

Summer Heights High is a satire and all language and actions shown throughout is to further the development of the characters stereotype. The inappropriate language may be seen offensive to certain groups of people, especially those who are sensitive to the topic of eating disorders or disability. If your child does end up watching Summer Heights High he may take it responsibly or take it another way. Whatever you decide to do just rethink your decision and ask yourself “would my child be responsible or irresponsible after watching the show, Summer Heights

High?”