AMA: MPAA Gives Lip Service to Rating Movies With Smoking

AMA: MPAA Gives Lip Service to Rating Movies With Smoking

Movies with smoking should have mandatory R-rating

CHICAGO, May 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by Cecil B. Wilson, M.D. of the American Medical Association:

Statement attributable to: Cecil B. Wilson, M.D.
AMA Board Chair

"The Motion Picture Association of America's (MPAA) decision to 'consider smoking as a factor' when rating movies does nothing to ensure that children and teens are not exposed to and influenced by on-screen smoking. By failing to implement a mandatory R-rating system for smoking in movies, the MPAA has ignored the gravity of the health threat that on-screen smoking poses to children and teens.

"Research studies show that smoking in movies is associated with youth starting to smoke. Each day, a staggering 4,000 kids try their first cigarette, 1,000 of whom will become daily smokers. It is time for the MPAA to do what is right and implement evidence-based policies for R-ratings that will substantially reduce adolescent exposure to on-screen smoking."

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: American Medical Association

CONTACT: Melissa Smith, Public Information Officer of AMA Media
Relations, +1-312-464-4443

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