Using the TV’s Features, USA V-Chip Rating System

Using the TV’s Features

USA V-Chip Rating System

TV-MA (Mature Audience Only) Specifically designed to be viewed by adults and may be unsuitable for children under 17. It contains one or more of the following content themes: crude indecent language (L), explicit sexual activity (S), or graphic violence (V).

TV-14 (Parents Strongly Cautioned) Contains some material that many parents would find unsuitable for children under 14. Parents are strongly urged to exercise greater care in monitoring this program and are cautioned against letting children under the age of 14 watch unattended. This program contains one or more of the following content themes: intensely suggestive dialogue (D), strong coarse language (L), intense sexual situations (S), or intense violence (V).

TV-PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) Contains material that parents may find unsuitable for younger children. Many parents may want to watch it with their younger children. The program contains one or more of the following content themes: some suggestive dialogue (D), infrequent coarse language (L), some sexual situations (S), or moderate violence (V).

TV-G (General Audience) Most parents would find this program suitable for all ages. It contains little or no sexual dialogue (D) or situations (S), no strong language (L), and little or no violence (V).

TV-Y7 (Directed to Children 7 years and older) Designed for children ages 7 and above. It may be more appropriate for children who have acquired the developmental skills needed to distinguish between make-believe and reality. Themes and elements in this program may include mild fantasy violence (FV) or comedic violence, or may frighten children under the age of 7.

TV-Y (All Children) Themes and elements in this program are designed for a young audience, including children from ages 2-6. It is not expected to frighten younger children.

Canadian English V-Chip Rating System

18+ (Adults) Programming intended for adults 18 and older. It may contain elements of violence, language, and sexual content which could make it unsuitable for viewers under 18. Violence Guidelines: May contain violence integral to the development of the plot, character or theme, intended for adult audiences. Other Content Guidelines: May contain graphic language and explicit portrayals of nudity and/or sex.

14+ (Viewers 14 and over) Programming contains themes or content which may not be suitable for viewers under the age of 14. Parents are strongly cautioned to exercise discretion in permitting viewing by pre-teens and early teens. Violence Guidelines: May contain intense scenes of violence. Could deal with mature themes and societal issues in a realistic fashion. Other Content Guidelines: May contain scenes of nudity and/or sexual activity. There could be frequent use of profanity.

PG (Parental Guidance) Programming intended for a general audience but which may not be suitable for younger children (under the age of 8). Parents may consider some content inappropriate for unsupervised viewing by children aged 8-13. Violence Guidelines: Depictions of conflict and/or aggression will be limited and moderate; may include physical, fantasy, or supernatural violence. Other Content Guidelines: May contain infrequent mild profanity, or mildly suggestive language. Could also contain brief scenes of nudity.

G (General Audience) Programming considered acceptable for all ages groups. While not designed specifically for children, it is understood younger viewers may be part of the audience. Violence Guidelines: Will contain very little violence, either physical or verbal or emotional. Will be sensitive to themes which could frighten a younger child, will not depict realistic scenes of violence which minimize or gloss over the effects of violent acts. Other Content Guidelines: There may be some inoffensive slang, no profanity and no nudity.

C8+ (Children 8 and Older) Programming generally considered acceptable for children 8 years and over to watch on their own. Violence Guidelines: Violence will not be portrayed as the preferred, acceptable, or only way to resolve conflict or encourage children to imitate dangerous acts which they may see on television. Any realistic depictions of violence will be infrequent, discreet, of low intensity and will show the consequences of the acts. Other Content Guidelines: There will be no profanity, nudity or sexual content.

C (Children) Programming intended for children under age 8. Violence Guidelines: Careful attention is paid to themes which could threaten children’s sense of security and well being. There will be no realistic scenes of violence. Depictions of aggressive behavior will be infrequent and limited to portrayals that are clearly imaginary, comedic or unrealistic in nature. Other Content Guidelines: There will be no offensive language, nudity or sexual content.

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Chapter 4