April 12, 2007

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Common Sense Media CEO Jim Steyer today called a report from the Federal Trade Commission on the marketing of violent media products to kids a major wake up call for the entertainment industry.

The report shows that, generally speaking, underage kids have little problem buying violent movies and music. More than 70 percent of the time, underaged kids were able to buy R and unrated movies as well as “Explicit Content” music recordings. The report showed that kids were able to purchase M-rated video games more than 40 percent of the time.

The study also shows that the entertainment industry markets violent content via channels where kids are likely to see it, including Web sites like MySpace and YouTube.

“The report confirms what we at Common Sense hear from parents all the time: even though most parents try to keep a close eye on what movies and video games their kids are buying, they worry that their kids can still buy content that isn’t appropriate for them,” Steyer said. “In an era where kids are spending more and more time with the media, parents need the assurance that retailers won’t put ultraviolent media content in the hands of kids who aren’t ready to see it, and that the entertainment industry will be responsible in how it markets violent content."

The report calls on the entertainment industry to revise its marketing standards, and to put real policies in place to restrict the sale of violent content to kids.

“We strongly support the FTC’s recommendation that the industry revise its marketing and sales policies,” Steyer said. “It would be a much-needed positive first step toward improving the media landscape for kids and families.”