I just received a request to spread the word from CCFC (Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood). Here is what is going on…
“In response to a complaint filed by CCFC in 2007, the Federal Trade Commission urged the Motion Picture Association of America—the self-regulating body of Hollywood movie studios that administers film ratings in the United States—to develop a policy to “ensure that PG-13 movies are not marketed in a manner inconsistent with their rating.” Sixteen months later, the MPAA has not honored that request, and children’s television stations continue to barrage young viewers with ads for violent PG-13 movies and their related merchandise. The PG-13 rating bears the warning “Parents strongly cautioned: Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.”
Since March, CCFC has logged over 3,000 ads on children’s TV channels for five PG-13 films: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen; Terminator Salvation; Star Trek; X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and the upcoming GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra. Last month CCFC sent another letter to the FTC documenting the continued failure of the movie industry’s self-regulation, and urging the Commission to take action.”
Since March, CCFC has logged over 3,000 ads on children’s TV channels for five PG-13 films: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen; Terminator Salvation; Star Trek; X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and the upcoming GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra. Last month CCFC sent another letter to the FTC documenting the continued failure of the movie industry’s self-regulation, and urging the Commission to take action.”
In light of this, CCFC is asking folks to sign a new letter, to be delivered to the FTC before the final violent PG-13 movie of the summer comes out – GI Joe. If you have been thinking about ways to become an activist on behalf of children, this is an easy (and effective!) way to begin. Over the years, CCFC has launched many successful letter-writing campaigns and petitions. They have truly been agents of change! (For example, they got Scholastic, Inc. to remove all Bratz doll products from its school book fairs and catalogs. Excellent!) Click on the this link to sign the petition - I urge you to do it today.
Thanks!
Thank you for making me aware of this opportunity to raise my voice in opposition to the FTC's marketing of PG-13 movies to preschoolers. I have signed the petition and urged my friends and acquaintances to do the same!
Excellent news, harmony! Thanks for signing and spreading the word!
Just as a friendly warning. Some movies that were rated PG when we were young…20 years ago… are really PG13. For example the movie BIG. My husband and I are finding we need to be more vigilant with showing movies from our childhood to the kids because they do contain some inappropriate materials even though they are still rated PG.
Thanks Geralyn. I signed the petition. But, it's not just the commercials on kids' TV that bother me. I am also concerned that the previews before children's movies at the theatre are not always appropriate. I don't think that PG13 or R rated movies should be advertised before children's G or even PG movies. While the previews may be "approved for all audiences" they are often overly intense and can be upsetting for some children. My six year old hasn't been to the movie theatre since last summer when he went to see Kung Fu Panda with summer camp. Something in one of the previews frightened him and he refuses to go back. Oh well, guess we'll have to go play instead. Thanks again!
Yes, sulliva-nola, I completely agree about the inappropriate movie previews – many kids have reactions that are similar to your son's reaction. There is an interesting community discussion on this exact topic on the Common Sense Media website. You can find it at http://www.commonsensemedia.org/have-you-seen-a-trailer-thats-inappropriate-your-kids
And Mandy's point is well taken. Movie ratings have changed over the years. I know that Common Sense Media is doing a good job of helping parents make informed choices about current movies…now you are making me wonder if they rate/review older movies, too, such as BIG. I'm going to check that out.
Thanks to both for your input!