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V-Chip Rating Explanations
US 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
(Parental 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 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.
