Health+Perspective

=﻿Health Perspective=

Tamara Morey

 * Action Movies **

I agree that children are impacted by what they see on the big screen. Action movies are intense and in your face and could influence children to try things that shouldn’t. I almost wish all action movies came with a “do not try this at home” disclosure but that would not make for good cinematography. Aside from the action stunts, there is violence and sexually explicit material in most action films which can also influence behavior. Therefore, action movies can affect both physical and mental health. It is important for parents to pay attention to what their children are watching and to explain the line between fact and fiction. Children need to be informed that the stunts they see in the movies are being done by professionals who have extensive training so they do not try to re-create these scenes with their friends. I think children should also be shielded from the violence and sexual aspects of the movie as they are young and impressionable and should not be exposed to that at a young age. It is really important for parents to be involved and know what their children are watching.

**Rated R Movies ** Rated R movies affect children in many of the same ways action movies do. They display violent and sexual content that is not suitable for children. These movies can influence behavior that children would not otherwise display and can lead to them making poor life choices. Rated R movies can not only influence behavior, but choice of language. Because curse words are permitted in rated R movies, children can hear these words and then repeat them to their friends and at school. Although they may not be fully aware of their meaning, they may be able to have a vague understanding based on the content that is associated with the word in the movie. Again, I think is it the parents’ job to pay attention to what their children are watching and doing, as the article pointed out that these movies can be viewed online where an ID is not required.

 **RedBox ** This was the most difficult article to try to write a health perspective on. The only way I can think to look at it is that RedBox enables us to be lazy. It requires next to no effort to get in your car, drive to a location and find a movie. Because these movies are so cheap, only $1 plus tax, they are extremely affordable, therefore nearly everyone can rent a movie. People have started to stay inside more playing video games, going on the internet, and watching television and RedBox can contribute to that. People are not getting enough exercise as it is, and these cheap, affordable, and convenient movies are not helping get people outdoors and active.