Flicks for Kids Expert:

It's been almost 40 years since the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) initiated a rating system intended to help parents make informed decisions about which movies their children should--or shouldn't--see.

The ratings you find on movies today are decided upon by members of the Rating Board, which is based in Los Angeles. Its 8 to13 members judge movies based on criteria such as violence, language, nudity, drug abuse, and sensuality.

What's so interesting--and effective--about the Rating Board is that its members must be parents. "They are the best judges of what is appropriate or inappropriate for children," says Kori Bernards of the MPAA. "We have parents from all walks of life rating the movies, and it's their input which makes the system work."

To help you make the best choices for your family, here is a breakdown of the current definitions of the MPAA ratings:

What Does It Mean?
General Audiences

Who Should Attend?
All Ages Admitted

What You Should Know:
According to the MPAA, a G rating doesn't mean "children's film." It just means there's no nudity, sex ,or drug use. Language in a G-rated movie may include some mild everyday expressions, but no strong profanities.

What Does It Mean?
Parental Guidance Suggested
Some Material may not be Suitable for Ages 7 and Under

Who Should Attend?
Generally intended for older children, tweens, teens, and adults

What You Should Know:
A PG rating warns parents that they may want to view the movie themselves before allowing their children to see it. There's typically no drug use in a PG-rated film, but there may be mild profanity, violence, or brief nudity.

What Does It Mean?
Parents Strongly Cautioned
Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13

Who Should Attend?
Generally children 13 and older, or adults.

What You Should Know:
The MPAA added this category in 1984 to give parents a sterner indication about content that goes beyond the boundaries of a conventional PG movie but doesn't warrant an R rating. Movies rated PG-13 may contain drug use as well as a single sexually derived expletive not used in a sexual context. The film may have scenes of violence, some nudity, and mild language.

What Does It Mean?
Restricted

Who Should Attend?
Generally, older teens or adults. Teens under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or an adult guardian.

What You Should Know:
R-rated movies may contain strong language, violence, nudity within sensual scenes, sexually suggestive scenes, drug abuse, or any combination of all of the above. Parents are encouraged to learn as much about these films before taking their children or allowing them to view such films.

What Does It Mean?
No One 17 and Under Admitted

Who Should Attend?
Adults only

What You Should Know:
Movies rated NC-17 contain material that most parents would consider off-limits to their children, such as excessive violence, sex, aberrational behavior, drug use, or any elements of the above in combination.