National PTA Applauds TV Networks for Commitment
to Empowering Parents in Digital Age

ALEXANDRIA, VA. (June 11, 2012)—National PTA® commends the ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, TeleFutura, Telemundo and Univision broadcast networks for launching a plan today to provide greater decision-making power to parents by offering them additional ratings tools.

Today, they announced that parents will soon be able use the TV ratings system when children access broadcast television programs on the Internet. The networks are making the ratings information available for all full-length entertainment programs that stream on the websites that they control.

As recent surveys show that a majority of families use the ratings system, this effort will further benefit all families, especially while the digital era continues to grow. A recent survey by Hart Research Associates and Public Opinion Research showed that 61 percent of teens watch TV on a device other than a television. The ratings have proven especially helpful to Latino and African-American families, who are more likely to use TV ratings, according to the Hart/Public Opinion research.

For decades National PTA has worked to ensure all families have the tools they need to make informed decisions that affect their children. In most recent years we worked with the Entertainment Software Rating Board to educate parents on the rating information for computer and video games that indicates the appropriate age group and content.
We look forward to the TV ratings system being available online beginning December 1, 2012.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.