Firearm Use in G- and PG-Rated Movies

To the Editor: During a study of injury prevention practices in G- and PG-rated movies, we collected data on the frequency and manner of firearm use (unpublished data, 1998).

Of the 25 top-grossing G- or PG-rated films released each year from 1995 through 1997, we excluded animated films (n=9) and those not set in the present day (n=16), yielding a final study sample of 50 movies. At least 2 of the coauthors viewed each film in video cassette format, using a standard data collection form. Each compared their results and reconciled any differences. Four (8%) of the films were rated G and 46 (92%) were rated PG. Forty-five (90%) of the movies were considered comedies or family films.

Twenty movies (40%) showed at least 1 character who had a speaking role and carried a firearm. In these 20 movies, there were 84 scenes (median number of scenes per movie, 2; range, 1-15) involving 127 persons with firearms (median number of persons per movie, 4.5; range, 1-24). All but 2 persons (98%) with guns were adults, and 118 (93%) were male. Of persons with guns, 52 (41%) were involved in law enforcement (eg, police officers, government agents, soldiers, and security personnel), 42 (33%) were criminals, and 33 (26%) were other characters (most frequently the movie's protagonist). One hundred nine (86%) of the characters with firearms were shown handling them (eg, taking a handgun out of a holster), including 2 children 5 to 13 years of age. Sixty-three persons (50%) made a threatening gesture (eg, pointing a gun at another person). Twenty-four persons (19%) fired a gun. Firearms were discharged at another person (n=12), into the air (n=6), at an inanimate object (n=4), and at an animal (n=2). Four persons (3%) were injured by gunfire, including 1 law enforcement officer using a gun in self-defense. One person (1%) was killed.

Because we collected data on speaking characters only, our study underestimates the actual prevalence of firearms in G- and PG-rated movies. Nevertheless, our results indicate that firearms are frequently shown in popular films likely to be seen by children. However, we made no attempt to characterize the positive vs negative nature of this exposure to firearms. Unlike cigarettes, for which virtually any use reflects a poor role model, we do not know which images of firearms set a poor example for children. For instance, it is possible that all of the scenes in which a law enforcement officer handled a gun portrayed a positive image for children (eg, that law enforcement officers handle their responsibilities appropriately and ensure public safety). It is even conceivable that the scenes with criminals could provide an image that was socially constructive (eg, that guns need to be kept away from criminals).

Evidence suggests that children's perception of social norms and behavior can be influenced by media images.^{1 - 2} Determining what sets a positive or negative social norm for firearms is complex and requires further study. In the absence of widespread agreement on what constitutes negative imagery of firearms for children, parents should be aware that many G- and PG-rated movies contain scenes of firearm use that may affect their children's attitudes and behaviors.