A Good Choice

Why is choosing good entertainment so important?
“Whatever you read, listen to, or look at has an effect on you. . . . Good entertainment will help you to have good thoughts and make righteous choices. It will allow you to enjoy yourself without losing the Spirit of the Lord.


“While much entertainment is good, some of it can lead you away from righteous living. Offensive material is often found in web sites, concerts, movies, music, videocassettes, DVDs, books, magazines, pictures, and other media. Satan uses such entertainment to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal and exciting. It can mislead you into thinking that everyone is doing things that are wrong” (For the Strength of Youth, 17).

Some tips when it comes to movies from the LDS.org website
Check the Rating

A movie’s rating may serve as a jumping off point as you consider different entertainment options.

Whether it is the G-to-R rating system in the U.S., or another system, consider the reasons for the movie’s rating.
Movies are granted a rating because of such things as language use, crude humor, thematic elements, sexual content, depictions of drug use, violence, etc.
Steer clear of films that are “unrated,” “uncensored,” or “uncut” versions.

Look up the Review

Neither CDs nor books are subject to the kinds of rating standards movies have. And many times a movie with an “OK” rating does not necessarily mean that the subject matter is appropriate for you. But there are reviews and other resources you can go to for help.

Certain websites can describe the plot of a movie or book or the content of a CD or song.
Watch for key words (“coming-of-age,” “edgy,” or “dark”) that might clue you into inappropriate content.

Sample a Different Genre

If you ever feel fed up with your entertainment choices, try branching out. There are numerous genres to choose from that maybe you haven’t looked into before.

Sample different music selections from various artists or composers.
Try reading a classic work of literature that has stood the test of time.

Talk to Someone You Trust

When it comes to making entertainment choices, talk to someone who knows your standards, and ask for his or her advice.

A parent or family member is usually a good person to talk to.
Ask for a suggestion from a well-read person in your ward.
If a class assigns you a book to read that has questionable material, talk to your teacher and ask if there is another book that you can substitute.

Pay Attention to Your Feelings

There isn’t one perfect method for rating or reviewing entertainment material, so even after you have done your research, much of the choice is still left up to you.

As you read, watch, or listen to media, pay close attention to how you feel.
If you experience inappropriate thoughts or feelings, stop reading, watching, or listening.
In short, “do not attend, view, or participate in entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in entertainment that in any way presents immorality or violent behavior as acceptable” (For the Strength of Youth [2001], 17).

Above all, you can always pray to your Heavenly Father. Ask for the strength to discern good material from bad, and pray for courage to turn away from those things that may seem appealing but are not wholesome or uplifting. When you take the time to study your entertainment options and you choose carefully, the Holy Ghost will help you to know what is appropriate for you.

“Have the courage to walk out of a movie or video party, turn off a computer or television, change a radio station, or put down a magazine if what is being presented does not meet Heavenly Father's standards” (For the Strength of Youth [2001], 19).

I remember once I went to a movie, where I knew before hand that there was going to be some not good stuff in it. I chose to go because I didn't want to bail on my friend and the movie did look pretty cool, and, i kept telling myself, it's ok it's rated PG. But the whole time I was uncomfortable and I just kept feeling guilty. I could have talked with my friend about seeing a different movie or about doing something else entirely. But I didn't and looking back on it, I think she would have been fine if we had done something else. Don't put yourself in a position where you feel icky about watching a movie but you keep watching. It doesn't make sense. Just walk out or don't see it. It won't be the end of the world. Make a good choice.