Assembly Panel Approves Lampitt to Promote Use of Ratings System to Parents
A measure passed by the Assembly Women and Children Committee on Thursday would raise awareness of the effectiveness of entertainment ratings and labeling system, empowering parents to make the best decisions for their families, according to Chairwoman Pamela Lampitt (D-Camden/Burlington) and a panel of experts.
“With video games continuing to be among the most popular forms of entertainment among children, it’s more critical than ever that parents be encouraged to use rating systems that help them decide what’s right for their kids,” said Lampitt. “Promoting the use of these types of effective rating and labeling systems is vital to helping parents make informed choices that are appropriate for their families.”
The resolution, AJR-106, would designate June of each year as “Entertainment Ratings and Labeling Awareness Month” in New Jersey–coinciding with the efforts of thousands of private retailers across the country conducting public awareness campaigns to help parents understand the rating systems and make the best choices for their families.
“In the summer months, our children have more time and access to a wider variety of entertainment,” said Patricia Vance, president of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). “The video game industry has worked diligently to educate parents and retailers. While their awareness and support of the ESRB ratings is high, there is always more that can and should be done to remind parents about the tools and resources at their disposal.”
Ratings and labeling systems, voluntarily developed by the entertainment industry, have proven helpful to countless parents and guardians across the country in helping them determine what kinds of video games, movies, television shows and music their children should be exposed to.
“Our retailers do an extremely good job of safeguarding mature content and allowing parents to make informed decisions,” said John Holub, president at New Jersey Retail Merchants Association. “But I also want parents to be educated on the subject and to have the peace of mind to know that they have the means to make informed media choices for their children. That is why we’re seeking to designate June as ‘Entertainment Ratings and Labeling Awareness Month.'”
The Women and Children Committee approved the measure unanimously and it now awaits consideration by the full Assembly.