Watching repeated violence on television desensitizes children to violence, and similarly inaccurate depictions of sexuality on television can contribute to children's gender adolescents. Violence and sex on television have a negative impact on today's youth and adolescents. In fact, parents are the main contributors to these negative effects on children. Some parents pay little or no attention to the ratings of television shows or movies, or to the amount of sex and/or violence their child sees on television. Studies indicate the following: “Many parents find the entertainment industry's media rating systems difficult to use; 68% of parents aged 10 to 17 do not use the television rating system at all (Anderson, Bushman 17). » That's a staggering number of parents who can't tell which shows or movies are appropriate for their children. Television show ratings are determined by industry-sponsored ratings boards or by the producers themselves (Anderson, Bushman 18). Therefore, industries or show producers may determine ratings, but this may not be appropriate for all ages. There should be organizations that reflect parents' beliefs and what they think is appropriate for their children, not producers or the industry itself. For example, shows containing sex and violence such as "South Park" may have ratings that are relevant to children 14 and older. However, not all parents agree that their 14-year-old should watch a show with this content. Additionally, the rankings are based on age, assuming all parents agree on what their children should be watching at a specific age. Parents have many different views on what their children should be exposed to, and should all be right ... middle of paper ...... systems that may reflect what most parents think that their children can be exposed to, or what is convenient for them to watch. For these reasons, communities should come together to prevent their children from being negatively influenced by violent and sexual content. These studies have helped to tap into the negative influences that children and adolescents are exposed to when watching sexual or violent content. Having more control over what your children are exposed to can prevent these influences. Violence and sex on television indeed have a negative influence on today's youth and adolescents. “Children are influenced by the media; they learn by observing, imitating and appropriating their behaviors (Anderson, Bushman 19).” Helping to protect children from negative influences and instilling positive influences in them can help make society safer for future generations..