How to Understand MPAA Ratings

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) runs a voluntary ratings system that applies to all movies released in the United States. The MPAA board is a group of parents who view submitted films and then decide on their ratings. The ratings are to inform parents about the contents of a film, thus allowing them to make informed decisions about what movies parents should allow their kids to view. Read on to learn how to understand MPAA ratings.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Permit your children to see a G movie. The MPAA board determines that these films do not contain offensive language, nudity or sexual content.

2. Use discretion when allowing children to view a movie rated PG. Supply parental guidance to these movies, as there will be some questionable content such as brief nudity, strong language or violence. However, there is no drug use in PG movies. Watch the movie before allowing young children to see the movie, if possible.

3. Exercise caution when letting children view movies rated PG-13. The board suggests accompanying children under 13 because the movie probably has sexual content, violence or nudity.

4. Refrain from bringing your children to R-rated movies, as the content contains adult situations. Stay with children, if they must watch a R-rated movie. Accompany children to an R movie at the theater. Most theaters require adult supervision in this case.

5. Keep children away from movies rated NC-17, which contain very strong adult content. Theaters do not allow kids to enter a movie with this rating, even with a guardian.