Abstract

Objective: To determine whether the depiction of injury prevention practices in children’s movies released during 1998–2002 is different from an earlier study, which found that characters were infrequently depicted practicing recommended safety behaviors.

Methods: The top 25 G (general audience) and PG (parental guidance suggested) rated movies per year from 1998–2002 comprised the study sample. Movies or scenes not set in the present day, animated, documentary, or not in English were excluded; fantasy scenes were also excluded. Injury prevention practices of motor vehicle occupants, pedestrians, bicyclists, and boaters were recorded for characters with speaking roles.

Results: Compared with the first study, the proportion of scenes with characters wearing safety belts increased (27% v 35%, p<0.01), the proportion of scenes with characters wearing personal flotation devices decreased (17% v 0%, p<0.05), and no improvement was noted in pedestrian behavior or use of bicycle helmets.

Conclusions: Despite a modest increase in safety belt usage, appropriate injury prevention practices are still infrequently shown in top grossing G and PG rated movies. The authors recommend that the entertainment industry incorporate safe practices into children’s movies. Parents should call attention to the depiction of unsafe behaviors in movies and educate children to follow recommended safety practices.