Behind the Common Sense Media ratings system
Because media profoundly affects our kids' social, emotional, and physical development, Common Sense Media rates media based on age appropriateness. We rely on developmental criteria from some of the nation's leading authorities to determine what content is appropriate for which ages. Our goal is to give you trustworthy information so that you can decide what works for your family. We know every family and every kid is different -- but all families need information to make great media choices.
Understanding our ratingsFor each title, we indicate the age for which a title is either appropriate or most relevant (as in, most likely your kids will see it) and assign an ON (age appropriate), PAUSE (somewhat edgy for the age), or OFF (not age appropriate) rating.
We help you decide: What’s appropriate at every age
Our age-rating bar quickly tells you whether something is right for a given age. This is great if you have more than one child.
Why we rate something ON, PAUSE, or OFF for an age
Right below our ratings, we have a list of specific content categories with icons that highlight content concerns, along with in-depth information. We have different icons for different kinds of reviews. If no icon is highlighted, that means the content isn't an issue. If three are highlighted, that means there’s a fair amount, and five highlighted icons indicates there's lots of it.
Is it any good?One star? Five stars? Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. We think you want to know how enjoyable something is before plunking down those twenties for something that will bore you to tears.
What parents need to know
This is a short guide to all the essential information that parents need to know to make a decision quickly -- or manage a decision that’s already been made.
Families can talk aboutOur kids are really influenced by the media they see, hear, and interact with. We offer families easy ways to put their two cents in so that parents can be sure their kids get the messages that families want to give. |
What's appropriate at every age?Each of our ratings and reviews are based on important, fundamental child devleopment principles. Select the age range of your child to learn more:
age 0-2 An independent voice for families
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