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Shocking Number of Tweens Watch R-rated Movies
By Christina Quick | August 14, 2008
An R rating for violence isn’t enough to keep many tweens and young teens from seeing inappropriate movies, a recent survey shows.
In a Dartmouth Medical School study published this month in Pediatrics, researchers revealed nearly half of children between the ages of 10 and 14 had viewed at least one of a list of extremely violent R-rated movies.
“We know so much about the harmful effects of exposure to violent media content, but how much exposure children actually get has been largely ignored,” says Dr. Keilah Worth, the study’s lead author. “Now, we’re learning more about the large numbers of kids seeing this material and who they are.”
Researchers also found the movies were more likely to be viewed by youngsters with lower academic performance.
“No expert in child development would advocate for subjecting children as young as 10 to this level of violence,” says Dr. James Sargent, a Dartmouth professor of pediatrics. “Yet the study shows that such exposure is commonplace in this country.”
Sargent says the movie rating system, which was established 40 years ago when motion pictures were viewed only in theaters, should be revamped.
“Ratings need to be more prominent on all movies, whether they are seen in theaters or purchased in the store, and we need clearer messages to parents. Pediatricians and child advocates should instruct parents to strictly abide by the movie-age guidelines and to closely monitor movie viewing.”
Somehow I doubt more prominent ratings would have much of an effect. The fact is, a lot of parents these days have given up trying to police or shelter their kids. Parental apathy is a sad thing indeed, but I’m not sure there are any easy solutions. This nation needs Jesus.
What do you think?
Topics: In the news |
