Editorial Standards
Our Commitment to Families
BeforeTheyWatch exists to empower parents with accurate, unbiased information about media content. We are committed to providing objective, consistent, and transparent ratings that help families make informed decisions about the entertainment they consume together.
Core Editorial Principles
Objectivity
Our ratings are based on observable content elements, not personal opinions or cultural biases. We describe what is present in the content without making value judgments about whether the content is "good" or "bad" entertainment.
Consistency
We apply the same rating criteria across all content types and genres. A level 3 violence rating means the same thing whether it's in an action movie, a video game, or a TV drama.
Transparency
We clearly explain how our ratings are generated and what each rating level means. Parents can understand exactly what content concerns exist and make their own informed decisions.
Independence
Our ratings are not influenced by studios, publishers, advertisers, or any external parties. We maintain complete editorial independence to ensure our ratings serve only the interests of families.
What We Rate (and Don't Rate)
We Do Rate:
- Observable content: language, violence, sexual content, substance use, scary elements
- Frequency and intensity of concerning content
- Context in which content appears
- Age-appropriateness based on content elements
We Do Not Rate:
- Artistic or entertainment quality
- Political viewpoints or messages
- Religious content or themes
- Whether content is "morally right" or "wrong"
AI-Powered with Human Oversight
Our ratings are generated using advanced AI technology trained on extensive content databases. This approach offers several advantages:
Consistency
AI applies the same criteria every time, eliminating human variability and bias that can affect manual ratings.
Coverage
AI can analyze and rate thousands of titles that might otherwise go unreviewed due to resource constraints.
Speed
New releases can be rated immediately, giving parents timely information when they need it most.
Improvement
Our AI systems continuously improve based on feedback and new data, leading to ever-more accurate ratings.
Accuracy and Corrections
We strive for accuracy in all our ratings, but we acknowledge that no system is perfect. Our commitment to accuracy includes:
- Feedback Welcome: Parents can report inaccuracies through our contact page, and we investigate all reports.
- Prompt Corrections: When errors are identified, we correct ratings promptly and transparently.
- Continuous Improvement: We use feedback to improve our AI systems and rating methodologies.
Serving Diverse Families
We recognize that families have different values and sensitivities. Our approach:
- Descriptive, Not Prescriptive:We tell you what's in the content; you decide what's appropriate for your family.
- Detailed Categories: Our five rating categories let you focus on what matters most to your family.
- Age Guidance: Our suggested ages are starting points, not mandates. You know your children best.
No Conflicts of Interest
BeforeTheyWatch maintains strict editorial independence. We do not accept payment or other consideration in exchange for favorable ratings. Advertising on our platform, if any, is clearly separated from editorial content and has no influence on our ratings. Our only obligation is to the families we serve.
Questions About Our Standards?
We welcome questions, feedback, and suggestions about our editorial standards. Your input helps us improve our service for all families.
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