AMA Alliance Urges MPAA to Change Movie 'R' Rating Now to Protect Children and Teenagers

AMA Alliance Urges MPAA to Change Movie 'R' Rating Now to Protect Children and Teenagers

CHICAGO, May 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The recent announcement from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) to "consider smoking" when rating movies does nothing to stop the proven impact that the depictions of smoking in movies has on the health of children and teenagers. The American Medical Association Alliance (AMAA) and the American Legacy Foundation have urged the MPAA to rate any new movie with smoking "R" -- an evidence-based policy solution that would reduce youth exposure to film smoking.

"While the MPAA announcement might seem well-meaning and responsive, it does nothing to address the problem," said Nita Maddox, President of AMA Alliance. Research released just this week found that U.S. films deliver billions of smoking impressions to 10-14 year old children who are at a vulnerable age to begin experimenting with cigarettes.

"Concerned parents are unwilling to subsidize an entertainment option that clearly puts their children at such a serious life-long health risk," said Maddox.

The AMA Alliance, the volunteer arm of the American Medical Association, is committed to public health promotion in their organizational mission. A not-for-profit organization of more than 26,000 grassroots members working in their communities, the AMA Alliance strives to ensure child safety, prevent abuse and violence, promote healthy lifestyles and increase awareness of available health care resources. Visit the AMA Alliance Web site at http://www.amaalliance.org/.

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Source: American Medical Association Alliance

CONTACT: Rosetta Gervasi of American Medical Association Alliance,
+1-312-464-4473, rosetta.gervasi@ama-assn.org

Web site:

http://www.amaalliance.org/

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