Ratings are labeling systems that index media content (e.g., films, television programs, interactive games, recorded music, websites) primarily to control young people's access to particular kinds of portrayals. The underlying assumption is that children and young adolescents are particularly vulnerable to message influences and therefore need to be shielded from certain types of content. The content most typically rated consists of portrayals of sexuality, violence, vulgar language, or adult themes, although this varies from country to country. For example, nudity, all but ignored in the Scandinavian countries, often earns more restrictive ratings in the United States; in Germany, violence and racist speech are of particular concern; Australia explicitly adds suicide to the list of problematic kinds of content.

The Ratings Controversy

Ratings have been controversial since their inception, and attempts to rate the...