An independent poll released today from Rasmussen Reports shows that a majority of Americans – particularly those with children in the home believe the content ratings are effective way to monitor what children watch on TV.
According to the survey, among those with children at home, 60 percent say the current TV rating system is an effective way to warn users. This percentage is consistent with the same question posed by Rasmussen in 2010.
In addition, 73 percent of those with children at home say the rating has an impact on their decision to watch the show (makes them more or less likely to watch it). This is up 6 points from the 67 percent in the 2010 Rasmussen survey.
The Rasmussen poll tracks with other polling that has found both ratings and blocking technologies to be effective:
- A 2010 survey commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops found that 8 in 10 parents say they use the media ratings information in making their decision about what to allow their children to view or use. In fact, they are more likely to say they rely on ratings information than on the opinions of other parents.
- A 2007 Kaiser Family Foundation poll indicates that nearly 3 out of 4 (71%) parents who have tried the V-Chip say they find it very useful.
TV Watch obtained the following data from an ALL PARENTS SURVEY:
- 60% disagreed with the following statement: “The current parental controls and ratings systems have failed. It’s time for government to step in and do more.”
- 83% of parents are satisfied with the effectiveness of the V-Chip and other blocking tools.
- 87% believe they do a better job of protecting kids from violent and offensive content
- 91% say they personally take some steps to manage what their children see on TV
