Parents' Use of the V-Chip and Perceptions of Television Ratings: The Role of Family Characteristics and the Home Media Environment

摘要

Nearly 20years after the Telecommunications Act of 1996, it is unclear how its mandates influence current parents' mediation behavior. Parents of 2- to 17-year-old children (N=1,431) were surveyed about their awareness and perceptions of the TV ratings system and use of the V-chip. Most (81%) parents knew about the ratings system and found it to be only somewhat useful. Only 16% of those parents had ever used the V-chip. Ratings awareness and perceptions and V-chip use varied with family characteristics. Policymakers should revisit how to provide better tools for mediating children's viewing in this new information age.