OPINION: If movies have ratings, why don't school library books

Before you walk into a movie theater, you instantly know whether the film you’re about to see is appropriate for your child. The rating is right there: G, PG, PG-13, R or NC-17. No one accuses the theater of “banning” movies for having this informational label. These ratings are developed by the Classification and Rating Administration, an independent board that helps inform viewing decisions. This system provides parents with information — and a choice. So why should books in school libraries be treated any differently?

Most parents reading this would agree that a child in elementary school should probably not read E. L. James’ “Fifty Shades of Grey” due to its explicit and sexual content. Though presented merely as text, the words paint mature mental images and include themes that are inappropriate for young children. So while you may not find copies of “Fifty Shades of Grey” in your child’s school library, you can likely find other selections there that you may find to be just as inappropriate … if not worse.

“Beyond Magenta” by Susan Kuklin and “The Sun and Her Flowers” by Rupi Kaur are two examples of titles parents have raised concerns about due to their explicit and inappropriate sexual content. Both these titles have been challenged for being available in public school libraries. Using the same standard to which we hold “Fifty Shades of Grey,” why are our children permitted to read these arguably less appropriate books in public schools?

Perhaps a rating system could inform parents on the included material? This wouldn’t censor or “ban” books that contain any sensitive content, but would notify parents of “content flags” indicating sexual content, violence, mental health/self-harm, substance use or strong language. “Age ratings” (such as Early Childhood, Children, Teen, Young Adult, and Mature) could also provide insight into which pieces of literature a parent would permit their child to access. This proposed approach would provide parents and educational leaders a valuable tool to be able to help our community navigate this sensitive yet important conversation.

Our kids deserve challenging books that inspire curiosity — but they also deserve protection from content that can harm their mental and emotional well-being. A rating system is the simplest way to keep parents informed, protect healthy development and build trust in our schools.

If you are in favor of properly informing and empowering parents in this way, please contact your local school administrators and elected board of education to request its consideration. It’s time we return to common sense and do what’s best for our children … letting their parents make the decisions about what’s appropriate for them to read.