What Does M Rated Mean? Your Guide to Movie and Game Maturity Ratings - 33rd Square (2024)

Hey friend! If you‘re like me, choosing media for your kids and family is a constant balancing act. We want to allow some excitement and exploration while also keeping content age-appropriate. That‘s why understanding ratings like M for Mature can help inform our decisions. Let‘s break down exactly what M means and how it applies to games and movies.

A Little History First

Movies have had rating systems for decades, but Did you know video game ratings are actually pretty new, only starting in the early 90s? I still remember the moral outrage over games like Mortal Kombat and Night Trap back in the day. The Entertainment Software Rating Board was created to assign ages and content warnings, similar to how the Motion Picture Association rates films.

Over time, M has become the standard mature rating for both films and games containing more adult content. Even after 30 years however, the exact impacts of virtual violence and sexuality on players continue to be debated. But as parents, the ratings provide us some helpful guidance, even if imperfect.

What Parents Need to Know About M-Rated Video Games

In 2021,games rated M accounted for $15.5 billion in sales, over half of the US video game market. So chances are your teen is probably playing some M-rated titles.

The ESRB gives an M rating to games with "content that may be suitable for ages 17 and older." That includes:

• Intense violence – blood, gore, dismemberment
• Strong language – cursing, slurs
• Sexual content – nudity, references
• Crude humor – vulgar jokes
• Alcohol, drugs, gambling
• Horror – disturbing imagery

So an M-rated game like Grand Theft Auto V might have violence, drugs, nudity, and of course, stealing cars. Retailers enforce age ratings, but parents can still buy M games for their kids. I‘d suggest trying them yourself first before deciding if it‘s OK.

What About Mature Movie Ratings?

Just like the ESRB, movie rating organizations aim to give parents advanced warnings about adult content. In the US, the Motion Picture Association‘s R rating replaces M for restricted under 17. Their categories are:

• G – General audiences
• PG – Parental guidance suggested
• PG-13 – Parents strongly cautioned for under 13
• R – Restricted under 17

R ratings cover similar ground to M games – violence, sex, drugs, language. A key difference is R movies can include hard drug usage unlike M games.

Around the world movie ratings vary – M is common in Europe and Australia with recommended ages from 15-18. Ultimately it‘s up to us as parents to determine what content our teens can handle.

M Ratings Through the Years

Back in the 80s and 90s, M felt edgier and almost taboo. I definitely played violent games as a teen my mom would never have allowed. But ratings practices have shifted over time.

Language and sexuality now often garner lower T ratings compared to the past. But violence continues to be a contentious issue. Studies on whether virtual aggression causes real world impacts remain hotly debated.

Looking at M Ratings Around the World

• ESRB (North America) – M for 17+
• PEGI (Europe) – 16, 18 for strong violence
• CERO (Japan) – C (15+)
• ACB (Australia) – MA 15+

Australia in particular takes a stronger stance, banning outright or requiring cuts for many MA games. Culturally attitudes toward violence and sex vary, which rating boards reflect.

Do Mature Ratings Actually Work?

This is the million dollar question! The goal of ratings is to inform consumers and restrict youth access to inappropriate content. But regulation versus personal responsibility continues to be controversial.

Proponents argue clear labeling helps parents make decisions for their families. But others feel the ratings are too subjective and often ignored by retailers and consumers anyway.

According to an FTC study, only 13% of underage shoppers were prevented from buying M rated games. So while ratings provide a useful guideline, keeping kids from violent games ultimately falls more on parental discretion.

In Conclusion

I know all parents just want to raise happy, healthy children. For me, ratings provide a helpful starting point, but talking to your kids and closely monitoring what media they consume is even more important.

What do you feel is appropriate for your family? Having open and honest discussions around mature entertainment leads to the best outcomes. My DMs are always open if you want to chat more!

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