The Best Sites for Parents to Research Books, Movies, and Games for Age Appropriateness

In today’s digital age, parents have a wealth of resources at their fingertips when it comes to finding age-appropriate content for their children. With countless books, movies, and video games to choose from, it can be challenging to navigate what’s suitable for your child. Thankfully, there are many websites dedicated to providing parents with detailed information on the content of media, ensuring it aligns with their family values and is appropriate for their child’s developmental stage. From in-depth reviews to community-driven recommendations, these sites are invaluable for any parent looking to make informed decisions.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best resources for parents, including The Game of Nerds, Common Sense Media, IMDB, and more.

1. Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is one of the most well-known and trusted resources for parents seeking to determine whether books, movies, TV shows, apps, and video games are appropriate for their children. Founded in 2003, this nonprofit organization provides detailed reviews on a wide variety of media, with an emphasis on age-appropriateness, educational value, and overall quality.

Key Features:

Age Ratings and Reviews: Common Sense Media offers detailed age ratings for each piece of media, ranging from age 2 to 18. Reviews are written by experts, educators, and sometimes parents, ensuring a well-rounded perspective.
Parent and Kid Reviews: Users can read both parent and child reviews, giving a comprehensive view of how the content resonates with families.
Category Filters: The site allows you to filter content by categories such as “Movies,” “Books,” “Games,” and “TV Shows.” You can also narrow down by genre, theme, and whether the content promotes positive social behaviors or inclusivity.
Parent Guides: For movies and TV shows, Common Sense Media includes a parent guide section. This highlights key themes, potential concerns, and specific language or violence to watch for, helping parents make an informed decision.

For example, if you’re thinking about taking your 5-year-old to see a movie like Paw Patrol: The Movie, Common Sense Media will provide a clear breakdown, listing elements such as “mild peril,” “positive role models,” and “no inappropriate language,” allowing parents to decide if it fits their family’s standards.

2. The Game of Nerds

The Game of Nerds is an excellent resource for parents who want to stay updated on a variety of media content, especially movies, TV shows, and gaming, in a nerdy and family-friendly context. This site is perfect for parents with children who are into pop culture, comic books, fantasy, and science fiction.

Key Features:

In-Depth Reviews: The Game of Nerds provides in-depth reviews of movies, TV shows, and games, discussing not only the quality of the content but also its age appropriateness. This includes whether it’s appropriate for children or teens, what age group it best suits, and any potentially objectionable content.
Family-Friendly Recommendations: The site features lists and guides for family-friendly content, with an emphasis on nerd culture, including superhero movies, animated series, and video games. The Game of Nerds curates content that both parents and kids can enjoy, focusing on the balance between entertainment value and suitability.
Pop Culture Focus: For families with older kids or teens, the site covers a wide array of content related to Marvel, DC Comics, Star Wars, and other popular franchises, making it a great resource for parents looking for age-appropriate content within these beloved genres.
Community Reviews: The Game of Nerds also allows readers to contribute their own reviews, creating a community-driven resource where parents can share insights about what’s appropriate for their children.

If your child is a fan of superhero shows or fantasy movies, The Game of Nerds provides recommendations based on their age group, helping you find content that aligns with your family’s values and entertainment preferences.

3. IMDB (Internet Movie Database)

While IMDB is primarily known as a comprehensive database for movies, TV shows, and actors, it is also an excellent resource for parents looking to determine whether a particular movie or show is appropriate for their child. The site’s detailed breakdown of films includes ratings, reviews, and content warnings, making it easy for parents to assess whether a title is suitable for their children.

Key Features:

MPAA Ratings: IMDB includes the official MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) ratings for films, such as G, PG, PG-13, and R. This can provide a quick overview of the general appropriateness of a movie for different age groups.
User Reviews and Parent Reviews: IMDB allows parents to read user-submitted reviews, which often contain detailed notes about the content of a movie or TV show, including any potentially inappropriate material for children.
Content Warnings: For parents looking for specific content concerns, IMDB includes content warnings, such as violence, sexual content, language, and substance abuse. This makes it easier for parents to assess whether a piece of media aligns with their values.
Family-Friendly Search Filters: You can use IMDB’s search filters to look specifically for family-friendly movies or shows, such as those rated G or PG, or even search for films by specific genres that are suitable for kids, like animated features or adventure films.

For example, if you’re considering watching a movie like The Incredibles 2, IMDB will offer a detailed breakdown of the film’s content, including its PG rating, some mild action scenes, and the overall tone, helping you gauge whether it’s right for your child.

4. Parenting Websites and Blogs

Many parenting websites and blogs provide reviews and recommendations for books, movies, games, and apps. These resources can often include personal stories, expert advice, and tips based on real-life experiences. Websites like The Bump and Scary Mommy feature dedicated sections for parents to find media recommendations that are age-appropriate for their kids.

Key Features:

Personalized Recommendations: Parenting blogs often offer personalized recommendations for children based on age and developmental stage. Whether you’re looking for a good book for a toddler or a movie for a tween, these websites often provide insight into the best choices for your child’s specific needs.
Reader Reviews and Comments: Many parenting websites allow readers to leave comments and reviews, which can be particularly helpful when gauging the appropriateness of a particular title.
Special Interest Recommendations: Some sites focus on particular themes or interests, such as eco-friendly books or movies with diverse characters, allowing parents to make more intentional choices.

If you’re a parent looking for educational books, interactive video games, or fun movies for your child, these websites offer tailored suggestions and are often a go-to for new releases.

5. Kids in Mind

Kids in Mind is a valuable website that reviews movies with a strong focus on the specific content that might concern parents, such as violence, language, and sexual content. The site provides a detailed breakdown of these elements, giving parents a thorough understanding of what’s in a movie before they make a decision.

Key Features:

Detailed Content Breakdown: Each movie on Kids in Mind gets a review that lists the intensity of violence, language, sexual content, and other potentially sensitive elements. This allows parents to make an informed decision based on their own criteria.
Age-Appropriateness: Movies are reviewed with specific age recommendations, such as appropriate for kids, teens, or adults. The site also offers suggestions for finding family-friendly alternatives to popular movies.
Customizable Filters: Parents can search for movies by content type, such as “violence-free,” “no strong language,” or “appropriate for young children,” allowing them to find exactly what they’re looking for.

If you’re particularly concerned about violence or mature content in a movie, Kids in Mind can provide a comprehensive guide to help ensure the film aligns with your family’s values.

6. Focus on the Family

Focus on the Family is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources and advice to families. The site features a section called “Plugged In,” which provides detailed reviews of movies, TV shows, and music from a family-friendly perspective.

Key Features:

Christian Perspective: Focus on the Family offers reviews from a Christian viewpoint, helping parents navigate media that aligns with their faith and family values.
Detailed Movie Reviews: Reviews highlight content such as violence, language, and mature themes, along with suggestions for family-friendly alternatives.
Age Ratings and Content Warnings: Like other sites, Focus on the Family includes age ratings and content warnings, offering a balanced perspective on what’s suitable for children of different ages.

If you’re looking for media that aligns with your family’s faith-based values, Focus on the Family’s reviews are a great resource.

Conclusion

With so many options for books, movies, and video games, it’s essential to have reliable resources at your disposal to ensure the content your children consume is age-appropriate and aligns with your family’s values. Websites like Common Sense Media, The Game of Nerds, IMDB, and others offer parents the information they need to make informed choices about what their children watch, read, and play. By using these resources, you can rest easy knowing that you are providing your children with high-quality, suitable entertainment for their age group.