An R rating for the powerful new documentary "Bully" means that fewer teens will be able to see it. After watching the film, Common Sense Media (a nonprofit resource for information about kids and media) argues this is a lost opportunity for parents and their kids to discuss a very important issue. Their rating for 'Bully': Pause for 13+, which is very different from the MPAA's, only 17 and over.
This instance isn't the first time Common Sense has disagreed with the MPAA. The group always recommends age-appropriateness ratings based on child development guidelines. The idea is to offer parents guidance while trusting that moms and dads know their own kids’ strengths and sensitivities when deciding which movies to see. Below are nine more films where CSM's assessments didn't match the MPAA's.
A Guide To Common Sense Media Ratings:For every title we rate, we indicate the age for which it's either appropriate or most relevant (as in, most likely your kids will see it) and assign an ON (age appropriate), PAUSE (somewhat edgy for the age), or OFF (not age appropriate) rating.
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age. PAUSE: Know your child; some content; may not be right for some kids. OFF: Not appropriate for kids this age. NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids of any age.