TV ‘Labeling Is a False Assurance’

The new television rating system, designed along the lines of movie ratings, is controversial among some parents and many children’s advocacy organizations, which wanted more explicit information about the levels of sex and violence in programs. How are these ratings viewed by teens, who are among the heaviest watchers of TV? JIM BLAIR spoke with high-school students about the ratings’ effect on themselves and younger siblings, and the system’s likely effectiveness. The V-chip, a show-blocking technology not yet available in the United States but foreseen as working in conjunction with the ratings, was not discussed. The ratings, from mildest to roughest, are: TV-Y (OK for all children) TV-7 (older children), TVG, TVPG, TV14, and TVM (mature audiences). In practice, programmers are rating most prime-time shows TVPG.

JEFF CALDWELL

Senior, Ventura High School

I saw a commercial for the new daytime drama “Sunset Beach” and up in the left-hand corner a little “PG-TV” rating icon appeared for a few seconds. The commercial seemed rather racy--people in underwear and that kind of thing. It didn’t seem to me that PG correlated to what I saw.

I think this idea of letting viewers know about what they’re going to see is important, especially for kids. I think this rating system affects the younger TV crowd more than teenagers, letting little kids and their parents know what is about to occur.

A more descriptive ratings system would be a help. I’ve seen the introduction to “NYPD Blue” and they say “viewer discretion advised,” Then it lists what is going to go on in that episode--nudity, violence, adult language, that kind of thing. Something like that would be more practical than just a little icon in the corner of your screen for a few seconds.

The ratings should be more obvious when you turn on the TV. Parents should see this information in the newspapers or in TV Guide, something they can refer to that explains what the rating icon means, and then sit down with their kids. But realistically, I don’t know if families would do that.

ARMIDA PALENCIA

Senior, Santa Ana High School

I found about the ratings system when I was watching TV and as the program began it had a little “G” on it. My younger sister told me they had rated the sitcom. I pretty much only watch the “G” shows and there haven’t been any surprises.

There are lots of things that I have seen on TV which I think would not have been appropriate for my younger sister. There’s a lot of kissing and foul language. It’s good that we have a rating system so that the parents who really care about what their kids are watching will be aware. It will help my parents determine what my sister should watch. I don’t object to it. It’s good that I know.

MARIA LERMA

Senior, Garden Grove High School

I don’t really watch TV very much but I did see TV-14 ratings on two programs. I didn’t realize what they were until I read an article about the rating system. I do have an 8-year-old sister, and when she’s viewing with me I will keep it in mind from now on.

Some of the sexual content and much of the language is very inappropriate for an 8-year-old as compared to an 18-year-old. So I’m very careful of that, and that’s sacrificing my TV viewing for her.

My mom’s very strict about watching television. She always has been. We were some of the only children in our school that didn’t get to see “Married With Children” or “The Simpsons.” I don’t believe I missed a great deal now that I get to watch them.

I do have to agree with the ratings critics that the more specific, the more detailed information, the better. Some parents don’t have a problem with the sexual content in some shows so that might not be something that really bothers them. But there are issues in the news like abortion or assisted suicide that children aren’t ready to deal with or that parents don’t want their children to deal with. These should be mentioned [in news shows].

TA’ANA MITCHELL

Senior, Dorsey High School, Los Angeles

I have a little brother, 1 year old. The rating system will make a difference in what he will be watching in the years to come.

I think specifying what in the program is objectionable might be more helpful. In the movies, you know what it’s about before it happens and I think they should do it on TV. It would be better for the parents, too. I wish it had been in place when I was growing up because I watched some shows with killing and foul language that scared me. If they would have had the ratings, I would never have watched those shows.

CHRISTINE IVY

Senior, Monrovia High School

Sometimes TV shocks me. But the rating system--putting a label on the product--isn’t going to change the product. If they’re going to change kids’ viewing, they’re going to have to change the product, because labeling is giving a false assurance that you’re somehow making it better. A lot of smaller kids are going to watch even more. If they see something rated “R” it’s more tantalizing. Parents can try to monitor them, but there’s only so much they can do.