Understanding TV Ratings
With an increasing number of TV channels and programs coming into our homes each
day, it can be hard for parents to monitor what their children are watching.
Many parents are concerned about their young children watching programs with
content that's more suitable for older children or adults.
That's why the television industry designed a TV ratings system to give parents
more information about the content and age-appropriateness of TV programs. These
ratings, called the TV Parental Guidelines, are modeled after the familiar movie
ratings which parents have known and valued for nearly 30 years. They are
designed to be simple to use, easy to understand and handy to find. The
Guidelines apply to all television programs, including those directed
specifically to young children. Sports and news shows will not carry the
Guidelines.
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All
Children
This program is designed to be appropriate for all children. Whether animated or
live-action, the themes and elements in this program are specifically designed
for a very young audience, including children from ages 2 - 6. This program is
not expected to frighten younger children. |
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Directed
to Older Children
This program is designed for children age 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 or comedic violence, or may frighten
children under the age of 7. Therefore, parents may wish to consider the
suitability of this program for their very young children. |
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Directed
to Older Children - Fantasy Violence
For those programs where fantasy violence may be more intense or more
combative than other programs in this category, such programs will be designated
TV-Y7-FV. |
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General
Audience
Most parents would find this program suitable for all ages. Although this
rating does not signify a program designed specifically for children, most
parents may let younger children watch this program unattended. It contains
little or no violence, no strong language and little or no sexual dialogue or
situations. |
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Parental
Guidance Suggested
This program contains material that parents may find unsuitable for younger
children. Many parents may want to watch it with their younger children. The
theme itself may call for parental guidance and/or the program contains one or
more of the following: moderate violence (V), some sexual situations (S),
infrequent coarse language (L), or some suggestive dialogue (D). |
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Parents
Strongly Cautioned
This program contains some material that many parents would find unsuitable
for children under 14 years of age. 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: intense violence (V), intense sexual situations (S), strong
coarse language (L), or intensely suggestive dialogue (D). |
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Mature
Audience Only
This program is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and therefore
may be unsuitable for children under 17. This program contains one or more of
the following: graphic violence (V), explicit sexual activity (S), or crude
indecent language (L). |
