Videocassette Ratings

Many videocassettes being rented in the ever-increasing number of retail outlets are unrated; others with an R rating often depict the most vivid scenes of horror and violence. Children can and do rent these rated and unrated videos, often without parental knowledge.

Recent psychological studies by Daniel Linz, UC Santa Barbara, and Gloria Cowan, Cal State San Bernardino, attest to the extremely harmful effects of media violence, especially with repeated exposure.

The California Legislature, with the help of Sen. Robert Presley and Rep. Bill Jones, is studying this issue. Many states have passed or have introduced legislation requiring more accurate labeling of videos.

The Motion Picture Assn. rating of R simply is not specific enough to guide viewers as to whether the movie has strong language, violence, sex or all three. Nationally, the Assn. of Junior Leagues is the organizing effort behind this advocacy.

Ideally, instead of government controls, parents should regulate their children’s viewing.

Additionally, responsible video store owners can play a major role. Blockbuster Video, a national retail chain, has received a commendation from the State of California; it employs its own “review board,” and company policy is to not carry any inappropriate or X-rated videos.

CHRISTIE GORSLINE

Redlands

A Blockbuster spokesman said that although the stores rent horror films, it does not carry those deemed excessively violent.