Kid Movies: Is This Movie Appropriate for Your Child?

Before taking kids (your own or ones in your care) to a movie or video rental store, you might first want to check out what other parents and experts say about your possible choice.

Did you know the movie rating system by the Motion Picture Association of America was established in 1968? The ratings of G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17, are assigned by a film rating board using criteria you as a parent use when deciding what is suitable viewing for your child. Theme, language, violence, nudity, sex and drug use are among those content areas considered. Also assessed is how each of these elements is utilized. The rating doesn't provide details, however, and parents and providers may sometimes desire more information in advance. Here are six sites parents and child care providers might first review before spending money or time on a flick that may or may not be appropriate for kids.

About.com Kids' Movies & TV Guide provides personal insight by child advocate and parent Carey Bryson. In her work reviewing children's media, Carey has interviewed researchers, child psychologists, actors, and producers. She has also provided feedback on shows in production.

The National Institute on Media and the Family offers KidScore, on which parents rate movies, videos and other media on violence, sexual content, profanity, nudity, fear, language, and depiction of illegal or harmful acts.

The Movie Mom's Reviews provides parents and caregivers with the information they need to decide which movies, DVDs and videos are best for kids from ages 2 through 18. The site promotes itself as "a parent's eye on media, culture and values."

Kids-in-Mind assigns each film three category-specific, objective ratings on a scale of 0 to 10, according to quantity and content; one for sex and nudity, one for violence and gore, and another for profanity. No recommendations, either critical or age-specific are given, so that concerned adults can determine whether a film is appropriate for them and their children according to their own criteria and values.

Focus on the Family, a non-profit Christian organization, provides film reviews, including positive elements, spiritual content, and more.

Kids First! Directory, published by The Coalition for Quality Children's Media, issues warnings about sexual and unsafe behavior, discrimination, violence, and profanity.