Looking out for kids in an 'R'-rated world

SAN DIEGO — On February 10, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a recommendation by Fifth District Supervisor Bill Horn which directs the county library director to implement changes that control “R”-rated DVDs and videos at its 33 library branches and two bookmobiles.

“After receiving concerns from parents that children under the age of 18 have been checking out ‘R’-rated DVDs and videos without their consent,” said Supervisor Horn, “we took action to make sure there is a system in place that allows parents to exercise their rights in doing what is best for their underage children.”

The new policy changes video checkout procedures, forms and management of software to provide an option for parents to restrict their children’s access to ‘R’-rated video materials.

The change will result in a one-time cost of $5,800 for re-cataloging ‘R’-rated materials and forms and an annual ongoing cost of $500 for forms.

Parents will be able to restrict access by checking a box on the child’s library card application form, either online or in the library. The new library card application is being developed and will be available at library branches within 60 days.

For additional information, contact Nancy St. John, County Library PIO, at (858) 694-3833.