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Chapter 4: Other Information
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.
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.
Canadian English V-Chip Rating System
Graphics contained within this publication are for representation only.