Movie Ratings And What They Mean For Your Children

The big movie studios have long been giving movies a rating to let individuals know how proper or unsuitable the movie may be for individual spectators. Usually it is to shelter children from extremely violent or sexual scenes or it may even be as uncomplicated as smoking or bad language. The concern is whose judgment rates the movie. Many people will disagree with a rating and there have even been copyright cases where a company intentionally removed scenes that were deemed unsuitable, even when a movie was rated PG or PG-13.

Movies are infinitely different from each other and it is exceedingly grueling to uphold a set standard that is dependable for every movie. One person may be affronted by a semi-nude scene that suggests sexuality while another individual watching the same picture may find that the suicide by gun scene is more offensive, different people have different reactions and beliefs about what is or is not unsuitable.

The rating system for movies however is based upon theme and content. Parents and individuals need to take responsibility themselves and just use the rating system as a guide as one should never rely on the rating system completely.

A G rating is apt for General audiences. This means that there are no sexual or nude scenes. There is not swearing, drug or alcohol use, no cigarette smoking or violence.

PG stands for parental guidance. There may possibly be some passing moments of the abovementioned scenes but it is not disproportionate. Parents are cautioned to be conscious that these short-lived scenes may exist. PG-13 is a stronger PG caution. These movies are usually unsuitable for children under the age of 13. There may be some nudity, suggested sexuality or violence. This rating is essentially for a movie that does not deserve an R rating but is still worse than the average PG.

An R movie restricts anybody below 17 to enter without the accompaniment of an adult guardian or parent. There are often sexual scenes, drug abuse or violence. Parents should be encouraged to watch the movies beforehand and make up your mind with awareness if the movie is proper.

The most recent rating is an NC-17. No one under the age of 17 is admitted into the theater to see these movies. These movies are seldom pornographic but they do contain adult content, either sexual or even violence beyond what is fitting for anyone less than the age of 17.

As with most things a parent needs to make a conscious decision on what is or is not apt for their kids. The ratings system is just a broad guide.