Editorial Policy
How we research our guides, what our ratings mean, and how we keep ourselves honest.
Last updated October 8, 2026
How our guides are made
Every FamScoop guide starts with research. We draw on official sources: MPA film ratings, TV Parental Guidelines ratings and their content descriptors. We add studio and platform materials, trailers, and multiple published parent guides. We compare what those sources say, resolve any disagreements, and write up what matters to a parent deciding whether a title is right for their child.
Every guide is then reviewed by our editor before it is published. Guides are research-based. We do not claim to have personally watched, played or tested every title, and we never present secondhand information as a first-hand screening.
What the stoplight verdicts mean
Each guide carries one of three verdicts. A verdict always refers to the age range shown on that guide, not to every child.
- Good to goGood to go. We recommend it for the listed ages with no special preparation.
- Watch togetherWatch together. It can work, but there is content worth knowing about first. Read the notes and plan to watch or play alongside your child.
- Skip or waitSkip or wait. The content is not a good fit for the listed ages. The guide explains why.
What the 0–5 content meters mean
Content meters show how much of a given kind of content a title contains. We score seven categories (Violence & scares, Sex & nudity, Language, Drinking / drugs, Mature themes, Mental-health weight, Consumerism) and also note educational value as a positive. Each is scored from 0 to 5:
| Score | Label | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Not present | Nothing to flag. |
| 1 | Mild | Brief, age-appropriate hints. |
| 2 | Some | A few notable moments, mostly off-screen. |
| 3 | Moderate | Recurring throughout. Watch with younger kids. |
| 4 | Strong | Substantial. Preview before sharing. |
| 5 | Severe | Intense and/or graphic. Use caution. |
Scores reflect frequency and intensity, not just whether something appears. A single mild moment scores lower than a theme that runs through the whole story.
How age recommendations work
Each guide gives two age signals. Youngest OK is the youngest age at which we would feel comfortable recommending the title, usually with a parent nearby. Best for ages is the range where the content, themes and complexity fit best.
We set both by weighing the content meters, how mature the themes are, how intense the scary or emotional moments feel, and the official rating. When sources disagree, we lean toward the more cautious age. These are guidelines, not rules. You know your child best.
Independence
FamScoop is independent. We do not sell paid placements, and we do not take payment to change a verdict, a rating or where a title appears. Advertising, where it appears on the site, is served by third-party ad networks, and advertising never influences our verdicts.
How we use AI tools
We use AI-assisted tools to help research and draft some guides; every guide is checked against official ratings and published sources before publishing.
Corrections and updates
Ratings, streaming availability and release dates change, and we make mistakes. If you spot an error, contact us with a link to the page and, if you can, a source. We review correction requests within a few business days, fix confirmed errors, and update the page. Guides show their last updated date so you can see how current they are.
Questions
Questions about this policy? Email hello@famscoop.com. You can also read about FamScoop.