Is R or MA Worse Rated? A Tech Geek‘s In-Depth Analysis
Hey there! As a fellow streaming and gaming enthusiast, I know how confusing all the content ratings can be when deciding what‘s appropriate entertainment for ourselves or our families. You specifically asked about R and MA ratings, so let me break down the nitty gritty details on these mature designations.
A Quick History First
Before diving into the ratings themselves, let‘s take a quick walk down memory lane. Television parental guidelines were first introduced in the US in 1996 to help parents determine appropriate shows. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has been rating films since 1968. Both systems have evolved over the decades, but their main purpose remains the same – to give viewers guidance on content.
Now, onto the mature stuff!
TV – MA = As "Mature" As It Gets
The TV parental guidelines established six main ratings, ranging from TV-Y for all children to TV-MA for mature audiences only.
TV-MA is the most restrictive rating. As the name clearly states, it means the program is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and may be unsuitable for children under 17.
This rating was created in 1997, a year after the other TV ratings. The networks requested it to signal shows with heavier content that previously carried a TV-14 label.
Programs with a TV-MA rating may contain:
- Graphic violence
- Strong sexual content
- Intense language
- Crude indecent language
Some prime examples in the TV-MA club include:
- Game of Thrones
- Westworld
- American Horror Story
- Sons of Anarchy
- South Park
As a fellow GoT fan, I think we can both agree there are some scenes in that show that definitely require maturity to handle properly!
Film Rating R – More Restrictive Than It Seems
Now onto the familiar R rating for films. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has used ratings since 1968, ranging from G to NC-17.
R means restricted. According to the MPAA rating rules, anyone under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian for R-rated films.
Some key facts on the R rating:
-
Introduced in 1968 along with the PG rating
-
Replaces the "X" rating which had gained a pornographic connotation
-
R rated films may contain:
- Strong language
- Violence
- Sexual content
- Drug use
-
As of 2020, R-rated films make up over 57% of tickets sold!
Some quintessential R-rated flicks include:
- Deadpool
- Pulp Fiction
- The Matrix
- The Hangover
- Ted
How R and TV-MA Stack Up
Both R and TV-MA signify programming targeted towards adults, with warnings for parents about letting young kids view the content. However, there are some notable differences:
| R Rating | TV-MA Rating |
|---|---|
| Legally restricts entry for under 17 | No legal age restrictions |
| Strong caution for parents | Strong caution for parents |
| Less explicit content | Very explicit content allowed |
| 57% of movie tickets sold | Significant TV shows carry rating |
Overall, TV-MA allows more extreme and explicit content. There are no set limits on violence, language, or sexual situations like there are for R movies.
This means TV-MA is geared exclusively towards mature adults, while R-rated films are restricted but not quite as envelope pushing.
The Debate – What‘s Worse for Kids?
You‘re probably wondering which rating is actually worse in terms of impact on young viewers. This debate has raged among parents and child development experts for decades!
Many argue R-rated movies can be more damaging because of the enticement of the forbidden fruit. Since theater entry is legally restricted for kids under 17, it makes those movies seem more tempting.
However, others point out that TV-MA shows are far more easily accessed by kids in the comfort of their homes. Parental controls and streaming restrictions are also less robust on television.
According to child psychologist Dr. Sarah Cross:
"While both types of mature content can affect kids‘ attitudes and behaviors, television requires more active parenting. Films have built-in age restrictions while TV shows can more easily fly under the radar."
My opinion is that it really comes down to active mediation and limitation by parents more than the rating itself. No system is perfect, so being alert and setting household rules is key.
Guidance for Parents
Whew, that was a lot of info! Let me wrap up with some best practices for parents making decisions about R and TV-MA programming:
- Learn the rating systems and content descriptions inside out
- Monitor shows and films your kids are watching
- Utilize parental controls on devices and streaming services
- Restrict device and TV time for younger kids
- Preview shows/films yourself before approving for kids
- Watch together and discuss any mature themes depicted
- Set clear expectations about forbidden content
Age limits and ratings won‘t replace good old fashioned parental supervision. But used appropriately, they can complement the tough job of media parenting in the digital age.
Hope this overview gives you confidence to make the best call for your family! Feel free to reach out with any other questions. Happy viewing (when the kids aren‘t looking)!
Your friend,
Terry