Rep. Hageman Introduces Resolution Demanding Transparency in Children's Content Ratings

Representatives John Rose (R-TN), Sheri Biggs (R-SC), and Barry Moore (R-AL) joined as original cosponsors of the resolution.

The resolution calls on the FCC to develop a ratings framework with neutral, objective, and specific content descriptions across all video platforms, promote greater transparency in how ratings are assigned and challenged, and ensure any ratings oversight body includes meaningful representation from parents and child advocacy organizations.

"Parents have the right to decide what their children watch, and the current ratings system is robbing them of that right," said Rep. Hageman. "Streaming platforms are pushing ideology into children's programming, and Washington has looked the other way for too long. This resolution puts the FCC on notice that transparency is not optional."

"Wyoming Family Alliance strongly supports Rep. Hageman's resolution to increase transparency in streaming ratings. Parents must have the necessary tools to make informed decisions about the content their children consume," stated Nathan Winters, President and CEO of Wyoming Family Alliance.

"For too long, ratings systems have failed to give parents accurate and consistent information about what their children are watching. This resolution is a long-overdue step toward the transparency families need to make informed decisions," stated Craig DeRoche, President and CEO of Family Policy Alliance.

"Sneaky Hollywood executives violate the trust of parents every day. Families deserve transparent media ratings and clear warnings on shows targeting kids. Congressional Republicans and Commissioner Carr are fighting for commonsense reforms that finally give parents the tools they need to protect their children from inappropriate content and make informed viewing decisions. This is exactly why the FCC exists. APP is proud to stand with lawmakers to defend the family from obscene and inappropriate material," stated Terry Schilling, American Principles Project President.

"Parents overwhelmingly want to be informed of sensitive content in children's TV shows. Our new poll found that 87% of parents want TV content ratings to advise them of violence, sexual content, or other sensitive themes like LGBTQ messaging or characters, in children's TV programming. Parents should be able to make informed viewing decisions for their children, but currently, parents have no way of knowing whether LGBTQ+ content is in that program. It's time to give parents that choice," stated Penny Nance, CEO and President, Concerned Women for America.

This resolution received support from Concerned Women for America, Family Policy Alliance, Wyoming Family Alliance, American Principles Project, Moms for Liberty, Heritage Action, and Family Research Council.

Background:

• Congress has long recognized that parents should have timely and meaningful information about video programming that may be unsuitable for children, and that ratings and parental-control tools should help families make informed viewing choices.
• America's current television ratings framework was designed for a broadcast-era marketplace and now applies across broadcast, cable, streaming, and on-demand services without meaningful updates.
• A Concerned Women for America analysis of 326 Netflix series rated for young audiences found that 33% contained LGBTQ+ characters, themes, storylines, or messaging across all age categories. Among G-rated and TV-Y7-rated series, that figure rose to 41%.
• The existing ratings system does not flag this content for parents, leaving families without clear, consistent, or specific information about what their children are actually watching across today's fragmented media marketplace.