Parents Speak: Parental Utilization of and Satisfaction with the Motion Picture Association of America's Film Rating System

The Motion Picture Association of America recently announced changes to its film rating system, which has been in place since 1968. While MPAA-sanctioned surveys of parental support for the rating system have consistently shown parents are satisfied with the current system, increased criticism of the ratings by special interest groups, parents and film industry insiders has brought the system under a microscope. This pilot study was designed to further investigate parental use of and satisfaction with the MPAA rating system. Focus groups were held with mothers and fathers of children of various ages. It was discovered that parents were unanimously dissatisfied with the system, pointing to its lack of clarity and consistency as the primary reasons for their dissatisfaction. Parents reported a desire for more specific content information to be included with rating designators, allowing them to make more informed decisions regarding the specific films they would allow their children to watch.