"This program is rated SPG.

It contains scenes with themes, language, violence, sex,

horror, or drugs, which may not be suitable for children. Strong parental guidance is advised."
If not everyone, then most, have surely heard of these lines warning audiences of the
possible sensitive themes they might see in the media they are about to watch. Being played
before almost every TV show and Cinema movie, it is easy to have each line memorized and
recited from memory. But what does this rating really mean? And how does this help in relieving
the psychological impact of these violence portrayed in the development of the young generation?
Joker 2019 might have been one of the movies most criticized because of its violent
content that “glorifies and romanticizes crimes.” On the other hand, John Wick led by Keanu
Reeves is also heavily criticized for opting violence over resolving anger issues. These movies
were categorized as R-16. It means that children with ages below 16 are not allowed to watch the
movie without strict parental guidance.
These ratings are made to categorize audiences in order to know what is appropriate and
inappropriate for them considering their development phase or their formative years. Rated G is
for general audience or patronage, which means that it has no violence, nudity, foul language,
and graphic horror. On the other hand, Rated PG is for those contents suitable for ages 13 and
above and with parental supervisions because such may contain sensitive themes. Lastly, rated
SPG is for movies or TV shows with gravity in terms of violent contents, horror, drugs, and sexual
portrayals. This requires intensive guidance of parents.
Considering this, then obviously, monitoring the behavior of younger audiences towards
what they are watching is easy since parents are encouraged to do most of the guidance and
since classification is already done. The audience would be guided well in what they are watching.
However, despite this monitoring, there are few instances that parents really monitor the
TV and movie habits of their kids, thus, putting the rating in vain, if not useless. Parents could not
be around anytime, and with the advent of technology, the access towards different types of media
is outright easy.
When exposure already took place, it is hard to back out. Abandon all ye hope those who
enter here, they say. In terms of violence, it will really leave negative mindset to the viewers
especially if the maturity of the audience is not yet solid to grasp such abstract concept and self-
control as well as to build their own morality. It is not really advisable for those with younger
maturity to expose themselves to themes not suited for them because apart from the fact that they
are not yet fully developed, they do not also possess such strong-willed self-control as well as
solid self-identity. Out of curiosity, young audience tends to emulate what they watch because of
various misconceptions.
Without proper education, it is really harmful for young audience to expose themselves to
rated SPG contents. Parents should double their vigilance towards this issues. However, despite
all the precautions, the choice is still in the hands of the viewers.
If it is a violent show they are watching, it should not be parallel that they be violent as
well. The irony is actually shown recently when Joker was criticized but instead of people
emulating the crimes in the movie, they use the joker masks as symbols of activism against
tyranny of a government (as seen in the Chile recent rallies). Also, a recent news is circulating
online as to how a group of teenagers got into a riot outside the premier of the movie Frozen 2, a
relatively peaceful and rated PG kind of show. So, it still depends on what aspect of the movie
they will focus on.
The power is still on their hands. It is their choice what to make up with that power. To
build something, or to self-destruct.