Parents Rate Ratings Systems

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - I thought there was a very interesting article in a recent edition of the journal Pediatrics.

The article discussed the present rating systems we have for movies, TV and video games and looked at whether or not parents thought they were helpful.

There was good news and bad news. The good news is that parents really cared about the need for rating systems. The bad news is that the system we have right now may not be so good.

Three separate parental surveys assessed how parents felt about media rating systems. Over 2,200 parents across the US participated. 48% said they used movie ratings, while only 34% used video game ratings and 31% reported using TV ratings.

The biggest concerns from parents was that they'd like more detailed content information such as warning about sexual behavior, nudity, illegal substance use, physical violence, offensive language, antisocial and disrespectful behaviors.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor