A Call for Information, Not Censorship

As parents we are given information to help us decide what entertainment is best for our families. Movies have ratings; TV shows have ratings; Music CDs have content warning stickers. We can put a filter on our internet access to be warned of offensive content before it shows up on the screen. Radio programs and live plays have parental advisory warnings. All forms of media and entertaiment have some kind of system to provide information so consumers can make educated decision. All, that is, except for books.

The time for information about the content of books is long overdue and it is time for a change. It is time for publishers to provide the information consumers need to make an informed, educated decision about reading their products.

Rating systems for other media share a common goal: to provide information to parents to help them make the best decisions for their children.

"Ratings do not exist to cast judgment on a film or dictate the viewing habits of adults.  Grown-ups have no use for such an approach in a free society.  The rating system exists to give parents clear, concise information about a film's content, in order to help them determine whether a movie is suitable for their children.
The Classification and Ratings Administration

The mission of the ERSB is:
"To empower consumers, especially parents, with the ability to make informed decisions about the computer and video games they choose for their families through the assignment of age and content ratings, and to hold the computer and video game industry accountable for responsible marketing practices."
The Entertainment Software Ratings Board


"The television industry designed a TV rating system to give parents more information about the content and age-appropriateness of TV programs."
TV Parental Guidelines

"The RIAA has provided record companies and artists with the labeling tools that alert parents to explicit content and help them make the right decisions about the music to which their children listen.
Recording Industry Association of America

We ask for nothing more or less for books. Simply, we want information.

Books have an amazing power for good. But, they can also harm if content is presented to children before they are ready to understand it, process it, and put it into context. Parents need to have the information necessary to protect their children from content that will harm them before they are ready for it.

Join with us to take a stand and ask for information.