Adult readers of children’s and young adult fiction are likely to have found instances of confronting and concerning issues in books that they have read. Should consumers be alerted to content that may trigger a negative or emotional response? Maureen’s post explores some of the issues around this topic and poses questions to prompt deeper discussion.
A small group has been discussing this topic, in the light of the grittier subject matter which is appearing in children’s books, for younger readers as well as young adults. Though I am part of the discussion group I continue to waver. I sometimes think adding warnings will increase censorship, but it also might prevent a reader being influenced or traumatised by the content. It should allow parents to be more aware of what their children are reading, but some parents may start to ban books, which could reduce discussions.
Here are some questions, hopefully which will prompt discussion and thoughts.
CBCA supports the best children’s literature each year through our Book of the Year Awards. Our organisation has a stated aim to connect, communicate, celebrate and advocate stories across Australia, giving readers the opportunity to be challenged with alternative points of view. Can this be done without warnings?
How do we define what subject matter needs a content or trigger warning, and can it satisfy all situations?
Recently, Behind the News, an ABC current affairs program aimed at years 7 and 8, had a segment focusing on the need (or not) to include an age range, especially for books which cross between young adult and adult fiction. Would this make choosing books too prescriptive as it doesn’t take into account the emotional maturity of the reader?
Would this change or reduce the number of titles being mismarketed with young readers being exposed to pornography at younger ages. Readers who enjoyed the Harry Potter series look for similar titles. Publishers know this and direct their marketing towards similar genres, but not necessarily the right levels.
Dr Emma Hussey of the Australian Catholic University is calling for ratings so that readers are not exposed to scenes of explicit sex and/or violence. Hussey argues that many of the behaviours warned about in domestic violence education are normalised in fiction for the young. Social media such as BookTok is encouraging readers as young as 12 and 13 to read books more suited to readers at the upper end of the YA range.
Should we include ratings similar to those used by film, television and games? This would allow parents to check on their children’s choices.
Should printed books undergo a similar critical review as digital productions do?
Would this change be regarded as censorship? Or would it make reading too restrictive and prescriptive?
Should book sellers and publishers be actively encouraged to become more responsible for what they sell?
Should all book reviews, especially those under the auspices of CBCA, include trigger warnings? If you are a Reading Time reviewer, what do you think?
We’d love to hear what our readers think about this subject.
Further reading:
See Appendix 7 outlines the BOTY Awards category criteria in:
The Children’s Book Council of Australia. (January 2025). The Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Policy (2025). https://cbca.blob.core.windows.net/documents/BookOfTheYear/AwardPolicy/PL_007_012_CBCA_BOYA_POLICY_2025.pdf
Australian Catholic University. (July 21, 2025). Child protection expert calls for rating system for YA book [Media release]. https://cathnews.com/~documents/media-releases/media-releases-2025/250721-acu-child-protection-expert-calls-for-rating-system-for-ya-books/?layout=file
Hari, N. & Wokciechowski, A. (February 1, 2025). Content warning: The rise in misleading marketing of books with adult content towards children. Elestoque. https://elestoque.org/2025/02/01/opinion/content-warning-the-rise-in-misleading-marketing-of-books-with-adult-content-towards-children/
Duggan, S. (July 25, 2025). ‘BookTok’ is pushing novels with sexually explicit and violent cont to kids: Expert. EducationHQ. https://educationhq.com/news/booktok-is-pushing-novels-with-sexually-explicit-and-violent-content-to-kids-expert-196841/
Maureen Mann
Retired teacher librarian and avid reader
Editor's observation:
A recent read/listen Wandering Wild, by Lynette Noni (2025, Penguin) started with a note to the reader that provided some forewarning of content without giving away the plot. A transcribed quote follows - What do you think?
"Dear Reader, for the most part this book is intended as a romantic misadventure through the wilderness but please be aware that it also contains themes regarding mental health and personal drama that may be triggering for some readers (prior to title page)."
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