Media and Children: The choice of TV programs, movies, videos and DVDs

Families can use a variety of tools to be selective about the types of television programs or movies they watch. There are some good websites that offer reviews or ratings for the content of films, videos and DVDs. Although the existing industry ratings can be a useful general guide for parents, the sites listed below provide more detailed descriptions of content that can help parents to decide or discuss movies with their children. All these sites are free (or have free versions), and information about the sponsoring organization and the methods used to rate content are clearly described.

Common Sense Media
www.commonsensemedia.org


Includes ratings of sexual content, violence (including risk and stress), the language and messages (commercial social behavior, and drug / alcohol / snuff), comments on areas of potential concern and debate, and comparisons with or similar alternatives. Users can also see the ratings of parents and children. Free registration allows parents and children to contribute comments and ratings, and subscribe to a monthly electronic newsletter ..

Children in mind
www.kids in mind.com

Provides three ratings (on a scale of 1-10) for sex / nudity, violence / Gore, and foul language, along with a list of discussion topics and messages or values ​​that the film conveys. Detailed descriptions and examples of the contents of each category are provided.

Screen! Entertainment Reviews
www.screenit.com

(Subscription: $ 25/yr) includes comments on the 15 areas that parents may be of interest or concern. These include the major concerns (eg, drugs, sex, violence), concern for younger children (eg, bad attitude, frightening music, scenes of family tension), and "talking points" that could be stimulated by the film. A free version contains an overview and classification (none, minor, heavy mild) in 15 areas, and contains ads.
What about TV Ratings?

Why parents use the web described above when the television industry and provides ratings for television programs (see Parent's Guide Media, www.parentalguide.org)? These skills could be used to help guide choices, and the program of V-chips that are on every television recently, but it means that ratings are valid and reliable. One study found that a group of parents, grandparents and professionals are often agreed with the industry ratings of whether the content was inappropriate for children (eg, all "R-rated movies and TV MA TV type), but often disagreed on whether films or programs classified as suitable for children a reality. Especially in the case of violence, parents often find objectionable content in films rated G or PG and TV-Y, TV-Y7, and TV shows rated TV-G.

A recent national survey found that only half of all parents think TV shows most accurately rated. Most parents who use the ratings found at least something useful, however, many parents do not know what the scores mean. Given this discrepancy, more detailed information provided by the websites listed above allow parents to make their own judgments about whether a TV show or movie is appropriate for their children.