Harvard Public Health Praises Smoking Ratings Posted: Sep 15, 2007

The Harvard School of Public Health agrees with the MPAA's decision to give smoking in movies the same consideration as violence and sex.  Movies can now get an more restrictive rating for excessive or glamorized smoking.

In praising the MPAA for the movie, Dean Barry R. Bloom stated the following:

"The addition of tobacco smoking as a factor in determining a movie's rating marks an historic and important step by the film industry to protect children and adolescents from one of the most significant health concerns our nation and our children face today. By placing smoking on a par with considerations of violence and sex, the Rating Board has acknowledged the public health dangers to children associated with glamorized images of a toxic and lethal addiction to tobacco. The ratings will now reflect important information for parents' consideration.”

In May of this year, the MPAA announced that all smoking will now be considered in what rating a movie receives, putting smoking up there with bad language, sex, and violence in movies.

“Three questions will have particular weight for our rating board when considering smoking in a film: Is the smoking pervasive? Does the film glamorize smoking? And, is there an historic or other mitigating context?” Says MPAA Chairman and CEO Dan Glickman. “Additionally, when a film’s rating is affected by the depiction of smoking, that rating will now include phrases such as ‘glamorized smoking’ or ‘pervasive smoking.’ This ensures specific information is front and center for parents as they make decisions for their kids.”

In a scientific briefing requested by Glickman, on February 23, 2007 Harvard School of Public Health brought together scientific experts to present evidence to the MPAA about the health impact of youth smoking and the influence of films that depict tobacco use on youth behavior.