Make it a Rated ‘PG’

By Johanne R. Macob

 

BOARD members of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) were here in the province recently to promote the advocacy of responsible viewing. They underscored the power that each person has in choosing which television program or film to watch in order to promote their own, and most especially, the kids’ welfare.

When I was younger, I was not aware of the importance of the ‘warning’ or the MTRCB rating that flashed before a television show started. It was like, “okay, this one’s G or PG or SPG” and that was it.  I didn’t realize how significant the classifications or how important parental guidance was over a child’s actions including the viewing TV shows or movies were until we got kids in the family, again. I didn’t know. And I did not realize how much influence shows can have on the kids’ minds, in their way of thinking, and talking, among others.

Talking to my two-year-old and three-year-old nephews and nieces made me understand fully how big of an influence the things they watch have on them. For instance, my nephew who has been taught to watch “for kids” shows that feature alphabets, numbers, animals, et cetera, know these by heart. He is also able to name different kinds of animals, and even different kinds of dinosaurs that I do not know myself. On the other hand, my nieces who are fond of watching Barbie and Disney Princesses have learned to develop ‘kaartehan’ and ‘kakikayan’ and what they would like to be when they grow up. They have pink as their favorite color and love to dress up just like the characters they have been watching! Another kid in the family, a three-year-old girl, who, as my sister, said has been, sadly, left to watch ‘adult show’ by her nanny has learned about relationships (boyfriend-girlfriend) at a very, very young age. While these appear simply amusing and funny, I realized these should prompt serious concern. No wonder, my sisters are more watchful now of the kids’ viewing habits.

Indeed, we can learn a lot of things from the children, too. And my conversations with these kids as well as those I eavesdropped from their conversations amongst themselves, have reinforced my belief and the advocacy that parental guidance is highly important, particularly in choosing which films and features should be viewed by our kids or siblings or nieces and nephews.

Let the MTRCB ratings guide us in choosing the shows for the vulnerable kids.

(For your comments and reactions, please email to: punch.sunday@gmail.com)

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