Using the TV’s Features
Chapter 3 45
Canada V-Chip
Canadian TV V-Chip supports two different Canadian rating systems: English and French.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
C8+
Age-Based
Rating
Canada V-Chip English Rating System
18+
14+
PG
G
C