Another study has been released that indicates that children who are exposed to R-rated movies are more likely to engage in "sensation seeking" and "risk taking."
This one shows that kids who are allowed to watch R movies are more likely to be underage drinkers. Other studies have shown that exposure to films for more mature audiences leads to smoking, sex, and violent behavior at a young age.
My husband and I have always been sticklers about not letting our kids watch movies we felt they were too young for -- just ask my oldest (and probably all our other kids) how sick she was (they are) of the word "inappropriate." But I found that it wasn't enough just to enforce rules in our own home.
Some parents think R-rated movies are harmless. This may be true for their kids, but you have to decide what you want for your own -- even if you think they are mature or do not exhibit risky traits.
Whenever we allow a sleepover at a new house, we mention to the friends' parents our wishes about movies. We headed off a viewing of the PG-13 Mean Girls by 11-year-olds when a mom told us she thought it would teach a good lesson about choosing nice friends. Her heart was in the right place, but when I explained that I had checked it out and told her about some of the scenes... Well, she agreed it was not a movie for pre-teens.
And thankfully there are all kinds of sites on the web which give the exact content and grade all movies that are released in theaters. (There are also sites that suggest family-friendly movies to rent or go see for those families that are struggling to find something for the enjoyment of all.) Hollywood is always doing their best to sneak in as much lewdness, violence and sensationalism as they can. As parents, we have to be vigilant.
I'm not naive enough to think that simply keeping my kids from watching unsuitable movies will prevent dangerous behavior -- but the proof is in the studies. It can make a difference, so why wouldn't I make the choice to shield my children?
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