Age restrictions, is there any point?

We have all watched films and played games that are not appropriate for our age but is it wrong for parents to allow us to do this?
Film and game restrictions were brought in to prevent people seeing a film or playing a game which is not appropriate for their age. The classifications for games and films range from U which means anyone can see them, to 18 which obviously only eighteen year olds and over can see them. The restrictions are based on how explicit the language, sex scenes or violence is within the film and a restriction is approved by a board for an appropriate age of viewing.
There are two main reasons as to why children watching films for an older age group are bad for them. The first is that it can really scare the child and can even scar them. An example of this is that when I was younger I watched Edward Scissorhands and I remember how frightened I was to go to sleep that night! It sounds silly but to a child it can seem real. The second reason is that they can have a negative effect on the child and can be linked to anti social behaviour such as:
>the killing of people or animals
>The use and abuse of drugs and alcohol
>Criminal behaviour, disrespect for authority and the law
>sexual exploitation and violence toward women
>Racial, sexual, and gender stereotypes
>Foul language, obscenities, and obscene gestures

Taken from http://www.aacap.org/ (link below)

An extreme and horrific example of how a child watching an inappropriate film for their age is the James Bulger case. James Bulger was a two year old toddler that was murdered by two ten year old boys, of which prior to the murder had watched Chucky 3, a film with an age restriction of 18 loaned out by one of their parents. There had been many frightening links to the film they had watched and how baby James had been killed.
Do you think that age restrictions really help prevent children reacting films or do you believe it makes no difference as the majority of us have watched films and never committed a violent act. So is it just down to the individual? Is there even a point for age restrictions as parents/friends will let children see them anyway?
Want more on video game/film restrictions? Visit:
http://www.parentsbbfc.co.uk/parentsinfo.asp
Want more on effects of children playing games/watching films too old for them? Simple, visit:
http://thetyee.ca/Entertainment/2009/01/23/HorrorFilms/
Or
http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/children_and_video_games_playing_with_violence
Want more on the James Bulger case? Be aware it is a very upsetting story. Just go on to:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/991562.stm

Picture taken from news.spong.com