Teenage shoppers are getting their hands on far too many mature and adult-themed movies and electronic games, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Using 13- to 16-year-olds accompanied by a parent, the Commission conducted a nationwide undercover study to determine the extent retailers prevent children from purchasing inappropriate entertainment products.
The study found that 69% of the young shoppers bought M-rated games, down from 78% in 2001; 83% purchased explicit-labeled recordings (90% in 2001) and 36% were able to purchase movie theater tickets for R-rated films (48% in 2001). Some 81% teens successfully purchased R-rated movies on DVD, the first time the commission surveyed DVD retailers.
Cashiers and clerks at movie theatres appeared to be more stringent in asking the child’s age, with 48% doing so this year compared to 39% in 2001. When buying music recordings, 13% asked the child’s age versus 10% in 2001, 24% versus 21% for electronic games and 19% for DVD movies.
Sixty-two percent of the movie theatres provided information about ratings or rating enforcement compared to 50%. (21% in 2003 versus 12% for venues that sell music recordings, 27% compared to 26% for electronic game stores and 26% for those selling DVD movies).
The goal of the study was to access the state of self-regulation in the entertainment industry when it comes to children’s access to inappropriate products.
Network
