Age restrictions in movies beneficial in multiple ways, created for our well-being

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It seems that a lot of the fun stuff in life is restricted. Movies are no exception. Teens have always desired to see movies like “Wanted,” “Superbad,” and “Pineapple Express,” but just one thing stands in the way: age.

It’s hard to count the number of times students complain about a good movie being restricted because of its contents. In truth, however, we really complain way too much about it.

Age restrictions in movies are beneficial in multiple ways, and we’re actually lucky that it’s only at 17.

First things first. Movie theater age restrictions were created for the well-being of humans because of the evidence that shows the effect that R-rated movies has on under-age patrons.

In a study done by Dr. James Sargent, a pediatrics professor at Dartmouth Medical School, he surveyed 2,596 teens who never smoked. After two years he contacted them again and found that 14.3% of the students who consistently watched R-rated movies had begun smoking.

Even 7% of the students who only occasionally watched R-rated movies also started smoking.

Using a statistical analysis, the researchers said those teens who deliberately saw R-rated movies were nearly three times as likely to start smoking as those who followed the movie-rating law.

In another study done by HealthScout News, it was found that 46% of students allowed to watch what they want had tried alcohol, compared to 16% of those with partial restrictions, and 4% of students with complete restrictions.

Through this evidence, it’s been proven that age restrictions benefit teens. If they help preserve teens’ health, then we have no right to lower them.

The only way we could actually change the current age law is by making the restriction 18 because even at the age of 17 teens are still subject to influence.

Several factors can earn an R-rating, including: strong language, graphic violence, and disturbing images. If studies show that the presence of this content can even subtly harm young people then the age restriction is deserved.

Of course, being the teenagers we are, we think we’re mature enough to deal with a bad influence. Sadly, if that was true then there would be absolutely no reason for any age restrictions on anything.

However, since it has been scientifically proven that maturity won’t change the fact that humans are negatively influenced, age restrictions on movies are mandatory.

All in all, it would unrealistic and unwise to lower the age restriction on movies because they serve to protect a teen’s well-being.

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