My middle-schooler really wants to see a new movie that’s just come out, but it’s rated R. All of his friends have seen it and he’s feeling left out. I read about the movie online and it sounds like it has some mature themes, language, and light drug use. Is it okay to take him to see the movie? My partner says no, but I am not sure what the harm is.
– Middle School Muddled
Dear Muddled,
Deciding what media to expose your child to, and when, is a constant struggle for parents. Movie ratings are not a scientific measure of what is developmentally optimal for kids and teens, but a subjective determination of what parents are likely to accept their children seeing based on current societal norms. Research even indicates that G-rated and PG-rated movies can create more distress for children than R-rated movies, which often receive their ratings due to values-based concerns rather than considerations of developmental appropriateness. If your son is bugging you to see a movie you’re not sure is appropriate, here are some strategies for deciding and, if you decide to let him watch it, for conversations to have after:
Talk about why he wants to see the movie.
The R-rating doesn’t ban children under 17 from a movie, it restricts them to watching it with a parent or guardian (and includes a recommendation that parents and guardians learn more before allowing their child to see the movie). In many cases, the rating restriction presents a great opportunity, not to protect children from difficult content, but to encourage parents and kids to experience and discuss important issues together.
Make an event of watching the movie together.
If, after reading about the movie and its themes, you believe it’s something he can handle and productively engage with, watch the movie together. Each of you will bring a different perspective on and interpretation of the movie based on your own life experiences.
After watching the movie, ask your child to share his feelings:
- What did he like and not like about the movie?
- What didn’t he understand?
- Did he like it as much as he thought he would? Why or Why not?
- What does he think about each character’s actions and motivations?
Asking questions and talking about the movie can help him process the movie well as build his media literacy skills. You can enrich the discussion by talking about how the movie made you feel, what you liked, and what concerned or confused you.
Take care to address sexual and substance based themes with your child.
Filmmakers often use drug and tobacco use as narrative shorthand for rebelliousness and sexiness, normalizing it as acceptable behavior. Research indicates that portrayals of smoking in the movies can double the risk of a young person using tobacco.
You are the expert on what your child is ready to view and you are his best guide for the experience. With the right amount of forethought and conversation, his viewing this movie can be a beneficial experience for you both.
FAQs
Children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian over the age of 21 for R-rated movies. I.D. is required for proof of age. Children under 6 years of age are not permitted into R-rated features at all.
Do rated R movies affect child development? ›
Studies have repeatedly linked children's exposure to violent media (often found in R-rated movies, television, and video games) with increases in aggressive behavior, nightmares, and fear of being harmed, as well as a general desensitization to violence.
Is it illegal to watch a rated R movie under 17? ›
The R-rating doesn't ban children under 17 from a movie, it restricts them to watching it with a parent or guardian (and includes a recommendation that parents and guardians learn more before allowing their child to see the movie).
Can a 13 year old watch a PG-13 movie alone? ›
While you shouldn't let your children watch PG-13 films alone, you can sit with them with a bucket of popcorn to enjoy some wholesome bonding time.
Can a 20 year old take a 16 year old to a rated R movie? ›
AMC Requires Adult Supervision For Guests Under 17 in R-Rated Movies. AMC policies specific to R-Rated titles include children under 6 are not allowed at R-Rated movies after 6pm at any theatre. Guests under 17 must be accompanied by a guardian who is 21 or older. Please be prepared to show ID at the theatre.
What is the S rated movie? ›
Films with S certification cannot be viewed by the public. Only people associated with it (doctors, scientists, etc.), are permitted to view these films.
Is PG-13 a law? ›
The MPA rating system is a voluntary scheme that is not enforced by law; films can be exhibited without a rating, although most theaters refuse to exhibit non-rated or NC-17 rated films.
Why is anyone but you R-rated? ›
Rated R for language throughout, sexual content and brief graphic nudity.
Do movie theaters actually check IDs? ›
Yes, the MPAA guidelines state that an R rating means an unaccompanied minor must be 17 to purchase a ticket. Be sure to have ID with you, as some cinemas strictly enforce this policy. What do I do if I look too young to get into an R rated movie, but I'm old enough? If you have an ID, bring it with you.
What is NR rating? ›
Not Rated. The resource name for the not rated icon for the United States is nr . Place a not rated rating icon next to content to indicate that the content has not been rated by the MPAA. This icon is often used to indicate that the movie was never submitted to the MPAA.
According to the Motion Picture Association, the PG-13 label means the movie is fine for kids over the age of thirteen. It may not, however, be appropriate for children under thirteen because of language, violence, nudity, and other mature content. But some parents say many PG-13 movies make them uncomfortable.
Is PG kid friendly? ›
PG-rated content is suitable for general viewing. A PG should generally not unsettle a child aged around eight, although parents and caregivers should be aware that some scenes may be unsuitable for more sensitive children.
Is there an age limit for rated R? ›
R: Restricted – under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Can 11 year olds watch 12 rated movies? ›
Films rated 12A are suitable for children aged 12 and over. However, people younger than 12 may see a 12A so long as they are accompanied by an adult. In such circ*mstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult. The 12 rating is only found on videos and DVDs.
Is PG-13 for kids? ›
PG-13 - Parents Strongly Cautioned
Some material may be inappropriate for children under the age of 13. This rating signifies that the film may be unsuitable for pre-teens. Parents should be conscientious about letting their younger children attend.
What makes it rated R? ›
An R-rated motion picture, in the view of the board, contains some adult material. The film may include adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements, so that parents are counseled to take this rating very seriously.
