V-CHIP TV RATING EXPLANATIONS
US V-Chip TV 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 ages 2-6. It is not expected to frighten younger children.
Canadian English V-Chip TV Rating System:
18+ (Adult)
- 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+ (Viewer 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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