According to Motion Picture Association of America’s rating system, “some material may be inappropriate for children under 13” in PG-13 movies. It’s understandable to not take a young child to a movie like this, but what about those who are 13? Is it really appropriate for them?

Countless teens fill in seats on Friday nights at the theater for dates or just something to do. But watching these movies may be doing more to their minds than people realize.

Violence, vulgar talk, offensive language, partial nudity, and glorification of crime- it’s all there for impressionable eyes to see.

What is the line between this and the rating of R? Four things determine if a movie will be R: using the F-word, tobacco use, complete nudity, and excessive drug use.

So unless the movie contains that mentioned above, it could easily be rated as PG-13. Take the latest movie, Daddy’s Home for instance. Many families went to see this comedy featuring Will Ferrell. It contained cursing through out, inappropriate comments, and more than one uncomfortable scene; yet the MPAA’s rating suggests that this is fine for 13-year-olds.

People may try to argue that 13 isn’t that young and they have already been exposed to a lot. However, at this tender age, the mind takes in everything it is fed.

Should those who just entered the teenage years be consuming this type of content?

To some, maybe cursing, violence, and inappropriate behavior is acceptable. But, no matter a person’s morals or beliefs, it is wrong to promote this to young minds.

Movies include these bad themes and scenes because they sell, but this shouldn’t be the case.

Parents shouldn’t have to be concerned about what their teen will be taking at the movies. They should be able to trust that PG-13 will, indeed, be appropriate for their 13-year-old.

The opposing side might say if this is such a concern, then don’t let them go to the movies. But, teens like to stay occupied and they should be able to see the newest movie without too much exposure at a young age.

The MPAA need to reconsider what they are allowing on the big screen unless they want to see a decline in teens’ behavior, respect, and the most concerning of all- their innocence.