Films for Kids

Many experts on child psychology and the media agree that children today are exposed to an increasing array of films that feature violent, sexual, or profane content; furthermore, they urge parents to designate what kind of films their kids see. Psychiatrist Arthur Taussig has created a site based on his book, which he describes as "the essential reference for parental survival in the age of media saturation." Here parents can research reviews of 1,000 films and determine for themselves whether a particular one is suitable for children. At another site, lists of the best children's films on the market appeal to parents who want to foster positive values that will equip children to become both good citizens and discerning viewers.

Often parents wish to assess the content of a film currently in release before taking their kids to the theater. In this vein, some parent-oriented websites present a detailed summary of the chosen film, including any references to nudity, vice, and bad language. If your chosen film hasn't made it onto the site, you can sometimes e-mail the staff to ask for a review. Parents on the lookout for specific behaviors (drug use, stealing, lying) will be pleased to learn that some sites allow them to click on the behavior and find a list of films that their children should avoid.

Although this level of watchfulness may seem extreme, these sites do provide reinforcement for parents seeking to instill not only an appreciation for movies but also a sense of morality that is best taught by example, be it in real life or on film. Whether psychiatrists, religious organizations, or secular groups run the following Internet resources, they deserve bookmarking by parents.