Parents allow children to watch 'age-inappropriate' films

[dutchman]

Many parents are allowing their children to watch movies or play video games above their recommended age, a new survey has revealed.



The survey of 1,800 respondents in the UK conducted by online parenting communities Mumsnet and Netmums revealed the "challenges and pressures" facing parents in ensuring children only see age-appropriate media.

Of those parents surveyed, 40% had allowed their children to watch a film classified above their age, and a quarter (25%) had allowed them to play age-inappropriate video games.

A further 16% of parents surveyed said that they had bought their child a device or gadget, such as a games console or MP3 player, that they themselves "did not fully understand how to use".

However, the parents showed signs of exerting some control over their children's appetite for media, as 82% of those surveyed claimed that always know what films and TV shows their kids watch, and 77% "always or usually know" the websites which they visit.

One in eight of the parents surveyed reported concern that Christmas presents their child had received were inappropriate for their age, particularly smartphones and laptops which could enable them to browse the internet unsupervised.

Others cited problems with well-meaning friends and family "overstepping the mark", offering examples such as "pre-teens unwrapping presents of 18-rated video games, and under-10s receiving 12-rated DVDs".

But more than half (52%) of the parents surveyed thought films and DVDs generally played a positive role in their children's lives; 49% cited television as having a positive effect; and 48% viewed the internet as having made a good contribution.

The survey was conducted for the ParentPort website, which was set up last October to help parents complain about material seen in the media, communications and retail. The site was jointly created by various organisations, including Ofcom, ATVOD, the ASA and British Board of Film Classification.

[dutchman]

However, the parents showed signs of exerting some control over their children's appetite for media, as 82% of those surveyed claimed that always know what films and TV shows their kids watch, and 77% "always or usually know" the websites which they visit.

Yeah right! Dream on