Television content rating system

"TV Ratings" redirects here. For the audience measurement system, see Nielsen Ratings.

Television content rating systems method of giving television viewers an idea of the suitability of a television program for children and/or adults. Many countries have their own television rating system, and each country's rating process may differ due to local priorities. Programs are rated by either the organization that manages the system, the broadcaster, or by the content producers themselves. This is conducted by calling people and asking what show they are watching.

A rating is usually set for each individual episode of a television series. The rating can change per episode, network, rerun and per country. As such it's impossible to state what kind of rating a program has, without stating when and where this rating applied.

Argentina

In Argentina, television ratings are the same as those used by the local film bureau. Nevertheless, the rating is not of compulsory use on TV. The ratings are as follows:

• ATP (Apto para todo público): This programme is for all audiences. The shows with this classification can contain mild violence, language and mature situations. Examples of shows with this rating: Friends, The Nanny, Rugrats.
• Apto para mayores de 13 años: This programme is for ages 13 and up. Can contain moderate violence, sex and mature situations. Examples of shows with this rating: Smallville, The O.C.
• Apto para mayores de 15 años: This programme is for ages 15 and up. Can contain strong violence, sex and coarse language.
• Apto para mayores de 18 años: This programme is exclusively for adult people. Most shows with this rating are erotic shows and movies.

Australia

For details on the video and DVD classification system in Australia, see Censorship in Australia.

Commercial television stations in Australia are required to comply with the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, which is governed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

The following classification codes apply:

Child-specific ratings

These time zones are further governed by the Children's Television Standards 2005, over and above the commercial Code of Practice. Both are similar to the G and PG classifications respectively in terms of allowable content, but are specifically targeted at children, whereas G specifies programming content that is suitable for all audiences, but may not necessarily be of interest to children.

• - P rated programming content is intended for pre-schoolers. Commercial stations must show at least 30 minutes of P-rated content each weekday between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. No advertisements may be shown during P-rated programs.

• - C rated programming content is intended for children. Commercial stations must show at least 30 minutes of C-rated content each weekday between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. or between 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.. A further 2.5 hours a week must also be shown either within these time bands or between 7 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. on weekends and school holidays, for a total of 5 hours a week (averaged as 260 hours over the course of a year). C-rated content is subject to certain restrictions and limitations on advertising (typically five minutes maximum per 30-minute period, or seven minutes including promotions and community announcements).

Standard ratings

With the exception of the AV15+ rating, which is only used by the commercial TV networks, the ratings are intended to be equivalent to the OFLC classifications of the same name. They are usually presented with the same shape and sometimes colour as their OFLC counterparts.

• - For general exhibition.
• - Parental guidance is recommended for young viewers. PG content may only be broadcast between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and between 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on weekdays, and between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on weekends.
• - Recommended for mature audiences. M content may only be broadcast between 8:30 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on any day, and additionally between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on school days.
• File:Ma15.png - Not suitable for people under 15. MA15+ content may only be broadcast between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on any day. Consumer advice is mandatory.
• - Not suitable for people under 15. This is similar to the MA15+ rating, however it is used specifically to differentiate violent programming. In all other respects, the content cannot exceed the guidelines for MA15+. AV15+ content may only be broadcast between 9:30 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on any day (though there has been one exception, Saving Private Ryan which aired at 8:30 p.m. with an additional warning). Consumer advice is mandatory.

The two government-owned TV networks, ABC and SBS, are not bound by the same regulations as their commercial counterparts, and are instead each bound by their own Codes of Practice . The guidelines provided by these Codes are similar but not identical to the Codes of Practice for commercial stations. For example, SBS refers to the rating MAV15+ instead of AV15+ , while ABC does not use the AV/MAV rating at all; instead programs rated MA15+ must not start before 9:30 p.m., instead of 9:00 p.m.. While the ABC recognises the G rating, its code of practice does not require that it display its classification symbol on-air in respect to G-rated programming.

Pay television networks are also bound by a different Code to the free-to-air networks. In general, all content on pay TV must still be given one of the above ratings; however, there are not usually restrictions on the time of day any particular programming can be broadcast. There is an R18+ rating for pay TV, but its use is strictly limited to special interest channels.

Consumer advice

Consumer advice is compulsory for all MA15+ and AV15+ programs, and one-off programs and very short series classified M or higher (such as feature films, miniseries and documentaries). A classification disclaimer may be displayed for PG material if the broadcaster believes the material is of an intensity that parents and/or young children may not expect.

Consumer advice takes the form of a full-screen written and verbal announcement at the start of the program announcing the classification as well as listing the type and strength of any mature content. Examples include "frequent coarse language", "a sex scene", "strong violence", "adult themes" and the like. In addition, where a program carries consumer advice, appropriate abbreviations are displayed along with the classification symbol after each commercial break. They also usually appear in programming guides, usually in lowercase to distinguish from primary classifications. In general, these abbreviations are as follows:

• A for adult themes and/or dangerous stunts
• V for violence
• L for coarse language
• S for sexual references and/or sex scenes
• H for horror or supernatural themes
• D for drug references and/or drug use
• N for nudity

Sometimes, more specific consumer advice is issued, such as:

• SN for supernatural themes
• M for medical procedures
• W for war themes or footage
• B for colourful behaviour

In other cases, a network may include more specific advice at the start of a program, but then substitute one of the more widespread categories when using the abbreviated form. Others may not use the above examples at all and simply list the content as violence, adult themes, etc.

Brazil

Symbols used by the Ministry of Justice for the ratings

The latest version of the Brazilian Informative Classification system was made official on television in mid-2007, although it was already used on motion pictures, video games, and some television networks since 2006. Since then, the television networks themselves rate the shows, while the DJCTQ, the Department of Justice, Classification, Titles and Qualification (Departamento de Justiça, Classificação, Títulos e Qualificação in Portuguese), also known as Dejus, acts as a judge, to guarantee that the rating is appropriate for that specific show.

The Brazilian system:

•  ER  Especialmente Recomendado para Crianças e Adolescentes (Especially Recommended for Children and Adolescents)
•  L  Livre para Todos os Públicos (All Audiences)
•  10  Não Recomendando para Menores de 10 Anos (Not Recommended for Viewers Under 10 Years of Age)
•  12  Não Recomendando para Menores de 12 Anos (Not Recommended for Viewers Under 12 Years of Age)
•  14  Não Recomendando para Menores de 14 Anos (Not Recommended for Viewers Under 14 Years of Age)
•  16  Não Recomendando para Menores de 16 Anos (Not Recommended for Viewers Under 16 Years of Age)
•  18  Não Recomendando para Menores de 18 Anos (Not Recommended for Viewers Under 18 Years of Age)

On broadcast networks, where the system is mandatory, the ratings are also translated in LIBRAS - Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Brazilian Sign Language), and may also carry content descriptors. The icons must be shown at the start of each block of the show, and their respective promos. Each network uses the system with slight differences:

• Globo and MTV show the ratings before each show, and use content descriptors only for 16- and 18-rated shows.
• SBT shows the ratings at the start of each show, doesn't use sign language translation for L-rated programming, and uses content descriptors only for 16- and 18-rated shows.
• Record, its sister network Record News, Band and its sister network Rede 21 show the ratings before each show, and don't use content descriptors.
• RedeTV! shows the ratings at the start of each show, and uses content descriptors for most programming rated 10 or higher.

The system also regulates when certain programming may air on broadcast television:

• ER-, L- and 10-rated programming can air at any time.
• 12-rated programming may air only between 8 pm and 6 am
• 14-rated programming may air only between 9 pm and 6 am
• 16-rated programming may air only between 10 pm and 6 am
• 18-rated programming may air only between 11 pm and 6 am

On cable networks, the system is voluntary, and also used differently for each network:

• Warner Channel, the first cable channel to use the system, FOX and sister networks FX, FOX Life and National Geographic Channel, show the ratings, with content descriptors, at the start, and the icons halfway through each show.
• The History Channel shows the ratings before each show, before, and after every commercial break.
• Disney-owned Disney Channel and Jetix, and Viacom-owned Nickelodeon and VH1 show the ratings at the start of each show, and each block.
• Sony-owned Sony Entertainment Television, AXN and Animax show the ratings, with content descriptors, before each show, and before the 3rd block of that show.
• Discovery networks, such as the Discovery Channel, People+Arts, Discovery Kids and Animal Planet, carry larger icons at the start of each show, and smaller icons at the start of each block, similar to the US cable industry standards.

Programming on cable networks can air at any time, regardless of its rating.

Canada

The Canadian TV Classification System was created for English-language programmers to use in conjunction with the V-chip. The upper-right corner of the Canadian age rating symbols are shaped like the corner of a maple leaf, like their national flag. The rating is intended to be shown once an hour, although in the case of longer programs that do not start on the hour, some broadcasters show the rating at the start and at the top of each subsequent clock hour, while others show the rating at the start and again precisely one hour later. However, there are some networks like Global that only display the television rating at the beginning of the show.

Additionally, should a program contain content potentially unsuitable for some viewers, such as violence, coarse language, or nudity, members of the self-regulating Canadian Broadcast Standards Council are required to air a disclaimer at the beginning of the program and at the end of each commercial break, advising viewer discretion (such disclaimers are only required for the first hour if airing after 9:00 p.m.). This disclaimer is technically required even if the final commercial break comes immediately before the closing credits, and some (but not all) channels in fact observe this.

Notably, the television rating given may depend on the level of cable and satellite, or if the program is broadcast over-the-air. Also, television ratings are generally considered more restricted than movie ratings.

Canadian ratings

• C: Programming suitable for children under the age of 8 years. No profanity or sexual content of any level allowed. Minimal comedic violence.
• C8: Suitable for children ages 8 and over. Low intensity violence and fantasy horror allowed. No foul language but occasional "socially offensive and discriminatory" language allowed if in the context of the story. No sex or nudity.
• G: General. Similar to the Canadian/American movie rating of the same name; programming suitable for the entire family with minimal violence, and no profanity or sexual content.
• PG: Parental guidance. Again, similar to the movie rating of the same name. Moderate use of violence and mild profanity allowed, as is brief nudity and sexual references if important to a storyline.

Some G rated home videos/DVDs are given a PG rating on television.

• 14+: Similar to 14A rating. Programming intended for children ages 14 and over. May contain intense scenes of violence, strong profanity, and depictions of sexual activity within the context of a story.

Some PG rated home videos/DVDs are given a 14+ rating on television.

Occasionally, some G rated home videos/DVDs are also given a 14+ rating.

• 18+: Similar to 18A rating. Programming intended for viewers ages 18 and over. May contain strong violence, language, and sexual activity.

Some 14A rated home videos/DVDs are occasionally (but rarely) given a 18+ rating on television.

An E (no rating will appear on screen) is given to most news and sports programs, documentaries, talk shows, music videos and variety programming because they are exempt programs.

Quebec ratings

French-language broadcasters use the Quebec film ratings system.

•  G  (General) appropriate for all ages with little or no violence and little to no sexual content.
•  8+  appropriate for children 8 and up which may contain little violence, some foul language and/or little to no sexual content.
•  13+  appropriate for children 13 and up with moderate violence, language, and some sexual situations. Persons under 13 should be accompanied by an adult.
•  16+  appropriate for children 16 and up with strong violence, strong language, and strong sexual content.
•  18+  only to be viewed by adults and contains extreme violence and graphic sexual content/pornography.

An E (no rating will appear on screen) is given to exempt programming, in the same classes used for English Canadian programming above.

Chile

In 1993, the National Association of Television (Asociación Nacional de Televisión - ANATEL), created this system as a way of auto regulate and label television programming, as follows:

• I: Infantil (for children) - Shows suitable for all ages.
• I7: Infantil para mayores de 7 años - Shows for ages 7 or older
• I12: Infantil para mayores de 12 años - Shows for ages 12 or older
• F: Familiar (Family) - Shows suitable for all ages, regardless of specific content.
• R: Responsabilidad compartida (Shared responsibility) - Children accompanied by an adult.
• A: Adulto (Adult) - For adult audiences only (ages 18 or older). Shows that contain explicit language, sex scenes, explicit situations.

Denmark

In Denmark, there are no official television ratings. Most channels including the state owned Danmarks Radio may give a verbal warning if the program contains images unsuitable for small children. Cable and satellite movie channels have adopted their own rating systems with three colours green, yellow, and red. Green is accompanied by the message "the following programming is suitable for everyone". Yellow is follow by "the following programming is suitable for children with the presence of an adult". Red, which refers to hardcore pornography is followed by the message "the following programming is not suited for children". There are no laws in Denmark for contents on TV except that hardcore pornography is only allowed in the hours of 12 am and 5 am. Full frontal male and female nudity, strong sexual and coarse language is common on Danish TV even during daytime hours.

France

French Television Ratings, as advised by Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel (CSA) :

• File:Cat2france.png (Not recommended for children under 10) : This image is shown at the beginning of the program and after every break. It is translucent. It disappears after a few minutes.
• (Not recommended for children under 12) : This image is shown at the beginning of the program and after every break. It is translucent. The round "-12" logo is shown for the whole duration of the show.
• (Not recommended for children under 16) : This image is shown at the beginning of the program and after every break. It is translucent. The round "-16" logo is shown for the whole duration of the show.
• (Not recommended for children under 18) : This image is shown at the beginning of the program and after every break. It is translucent. The round "-18" logo is shown for the whole duration of the show.

Hungary

The Hungarian television rating system has changed a lot during the last few years. The rating of the aired shows often causes problems because the radio and television authority is quite strict about appropriate rating categories for programs. If a show is not marked with the television authority's choice of rating symbol, the airing channel often has to pay a large penalty to the authority.

Before the year 2002 the Hungarian television rating system was pretty simple. Channels could range their programs into 3 categories:

• Unrated - these programs could be viewed by anyone without any counterproposal
• Not recommended for children under the age of 14 - Films displaying light violence or with explicit dialogues were ranked into this category. The symbol of the age limit was a blue triangle.
• Not recommended for children under the age of 18 - Films displaying violence or sexual content were ranked into this one. The symbol of the category was a filled red circle.

Rating programs and displaying on-screen symbols was not strictly compulsory for the channels; eventually the television authority found this system inappropriate.

In 2002 a new rating system was created. Ranking programs and displaying the rating symbols became compulsory on every Hungarian television channel. The new rating system caused problems because the channels were required to display the ranking symbols during the entire duration of their programs. The symbols were distracting, and viewers feared that their constant presence could damage the television screen. Because of the complaints, the television authority allowed channels to choose to show the rating symbols on the left or on the right side of the screen. Later, channels were also allowed to increase the transparency of the symbols.

In the current system there are 4 rating categories.

• Unrated - the program can be viewed by any age.
• 12 - parental guidance is recommended for children below the age of 12. Mostly shows with light sexual content or explicit language use are marked with this. Most films without serious violence or sexual content fit into this category also.

Symbol: Yellow circle with "12" written inside.

• 16 - the program is not recommended for children below the age of 16. Films displaying violence and obvious sexual content are marked with a thicker yellow circle with "16" written inside.
• 18 - the program is recommended only for viewers above the age of 18 (age of becoming adult according to Hungarian laws). Films displaying particular violence and unvarnished sexual content are marked with a red circle with "18" written inside.

It should be noted, that these ratings also apply to films shown in cinemas, however unlike in other countries a viewer cannot be denied access from entering a screening if they are not the age of the rating.Law concerning TV ratings (in Hungarian)

Iceland

In Iceland the channels logo in the top-right corner is colored either yellow(12) or red(16)

Ireland

In Ireland, RTÉ displays a banner in the top left-hand corner of the screen during the opening screen of a programme. The banner will display either -

• GA (General Audience/Lucht Féachana Ginearálta) - a programme that would be acceptable to all ages and tastes.
• Ch (Children/Páistí) - a programme aimed specifically at children ages 5-10. May contain mild cartoon or fantasy violence.
• YA (Young Adult/Ógra) - a programme aimed at an adolescent audience. That is to say it would not be of great interest to an adult. However, it might deal with issues which affect the teenage and late preteen audience, e.g. relationships, sexual activity, sexuality, soft drugs. Parents and guardians could expect that "YA" programmes might contain such material and may choose to limit their children's access.
• PS (Parental Supervision/Treoir Tuismitheora) - a programme aimed at a mature audience (i.e. It might deal with adult themes, be moderately violent, frightening or contain an occasional swear word.) and the classification label invites parents or guardians to consider restricting children's access.
• MA (Mature Audience Only/Lucht Féachana Lánfhásta Amháin) - a typical "post-watershed" program which might contain scenes of strong sexual activity and heavy violence, or the dialogue might be profane.

This only applies to the RTÉ channels (RTÉ One, RTÉ Two & TG4). Other television channels would usually make a verbal announcement of what a show contains beforehand.

Italy

Green Light: all audiences allowed (on RAI public channel instead of becoming green the RAI logo remains white).

Yellow Light: children allowed, but parental guidance is strongly advised

Red Light: Only adult audiences suggested

Red Light with a VM14 notification: no one under 14 should watch the movie or show (this rating sounds less strict than the previous one, even if movies under this rating contain extreme violence, explicit sex and/or excessive strong language. Movies with an Italian VM14 cinema rating, meaning nobody under 14 are allowed, always come with this TV rating and cannot be broadcast before 10:30 PM in their uncensored form. If they are censored to the point they would earn a T cinema rating, they can be broadcast as with a simple Red Light rating). There are some exceptions: Peter Jackson's The Frighteners, which received a cinema VM14 rating, was broadcast with a Yellow Light (even if later it had the VM14 notification. Then, while movies with violence and strong language are broadcast with the Green Light, a 1960s film, originally VM14-rated because the word "condom" was mentioned (refer to Pasolini's masterwork Uccellacci Uccellini), still retained the same original rating forty years later.

As a side note, VM18-rated movies (nobody under 18 allowed) cannot be broadcast on public televisions unless they are censored T-rated or VM14-rated versions. There are some exceptions again, though: Mondo Cane, Mondo Cane 2 and La grande bouffe were aired with a simple Red Light rating, even if they were originally rated VM18 (and they still are, in the case of La Grande Bouffe).

The same ratings are used for La7 channel too, even if they are even less strict than those in Mediaset: virtually every R-rated movie goes under the Yellow Light rating (films with strong violence and horror content such as Event Horizon and Army of Darkness were aired with that rating). Red Light is commonly used only for VM14-rated movies (or serials contain strong/extreme sexual and/or violence content, like Sex in the City

Malaysia

The Classifications for Television Viewing is currently used in Malaysia. All television stations in the country (except on satellite television) are permitted to show the ratings at the beginning of a show (with the exception of news programs). It is optional to show the rating after commercials. Newspapers published in Malaysia are also required to preview television ratings (Some newspapers classify all programs as U unless stated). The ratings used are as follows:

• U - General viewing for all ages (similar to the United Kingdom)
• 18-SG - For viewers aged 18 and above with non-excessive violent scenes.
• 18-SX - For viewers aged 18 and above with non-excessive sex scenes.
• 18-PA - For viewers aged 18 and above with political/religious/counter-culture elements.
• 18-PL - For viewers aged 18 and above with a combination of two or more elements. (example: A program with excessive sex-scenes and excessive violence will be classified as 18-PL).

Maldives

National Bureau of Classification (NBC) started regulating Cable TV and Broadcasting station programs in the Maldives since September 2007. Cable TV and Broadcasting station programs use similar classification principals as film classifications. Cable operators have to first obtain a classification grading from NBC before a channel can be authorized. TV programs are advised to exhibit the ratings at the beginning of each program (news is exceptional). It is optional to exhibit the rating after commercials.

NBC will conduct and regulate awareness programs through broadcasters and cable operators about classification ratings and its objectives. Operators of Cable TV and Broadcasting Stations should educate their audiences through their program guides and other advertisements they publish to their customers. The ratings used are as follows:

• G - General viewing for all ages.
• PG - Parental Guidance is required.
• 12+ - For viewers aged 12 and above.
• 15+ - For viewers aged 15 and above.
• 18+ - For viewers aged 18 and above.
• 18+R - For viewers aged 18 and above, (will contain violence, exposure, drug use, abusive language)

Mexico

The Mexican TV ratings are similar to the Mexican movie ratings. The only difference is that there is no B-15 rating for the TV rating system. The ratings are as followed:

• AA: appropriate and designed for children under 7. No sex or nudity , violence, or language of any level is allowed.
• A: appropriate for all ages with little to no sex and little to no violent content. Some examples include Rugrats.
• B: Designed for ages 12 and up which may contain some sexual situations, mild violence, and mild language.
• B-15: Designed for ages 15 and up. The content is a tad more explicit than the B rating. There are sexual innuendo and sexual situations, violence allowing some blood and gore, and coarse language.
• C: designed to be viewed only by adults 18 or older and may contain strong, scary violence, strong language and/or explicit sexual material.
• D: designed to be viewed only by "open minded" adults, as it most certainly contains strong, scary violence, strong language and/or explicit sexual material.

Reportedly, only one channel in Mexico explicitly shows the classification on each program, XEIMT-TV in Mexico City.

Netherlands

The Netherlands have a project called Kijkwijzer (ViewingGuide or WatchWiser) introduced in 2001 by the Dutch Institute for the Classification of Audiovisual Media (NICAM). Kijkwijzer advises parents through graphic icons about almost all TV programs, movies and DVDs in the Netherlands. The icons are shown in TV guides, on movie posters, at the start of movies in theatre, and in the top left corner when a TV program starts.

When content is rated 12, this does not mean you are not allowed to see it while under the age of 12. It simply means that the parent should be aware that not all children under 12 might be able to cope with the particular content. It is up to the parent to decide if their child is mature enough to watch it. The only exception to this is that cinemas have to decline people under the age of 16 who want to go to 16 rated movies and shops are not allowed to sell content rated 16 to people under the age of 16.

What is special about these ratings is that there is no official written alternative for icons. Also short animated versions of the icons which even feature short audio samples are often used in commercials and the internet. A rating for 9 years and older is already in usage, but is not yet official (coming soon).

The following icons are in use for age rating:

• File:Dutch rating AL.jpg All Ages (Alle leeftijden)
• File:Dutch rating 6.jpg Parental advisory for children under 6 (Let op met kinderen tot 6 jaar)
• File:Dutch rating 12.jpg Parental advisory for children under 12 (Let op met kinderen tot 12 jaar)
• File:Dutch rating 16.jpg Parental advisory for children under 16 (Let op met kinderen tot 16 jaar)

Moreover, additional icons show why a movie or television show has been given a specific rating:

• File:Dutch rating violence.jpg Violence (Geweld)
• File:Dutch rating scary.jpg Scary (Angst)
• File:Dutch rating sex.jpg Sex (Seks)
• File:Dutch rating discrimination.jpg Discrimination (Discriminatie)
• File:Dutch rating drugs.jpg Drug and Alcohol abuse (Drugs- en alcoholmisbruik)
• File:Dutch rating language.jpg Bad Language (Grof taalgebruik)

New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand's rating systems differ only slightly from other rating systems. New Zealand's are based on Australia's previous system which was used before 1995.

G (General Programmes): These exclude material likely to harm children under 14 and can screen at any time. Programmes may not necessarily be designed for younger viewers, but must not contain material likely to cause them undue distress or discomfort. Examples of G rated programmes include SpongeBob SquarePants, Neighbours, Home and Away and Everybody Loves Raymond.

PGR (Parental Guidance Recommended): Programmes more suited to more mature viewers. These are not necessarily unsuitable for children, but viewer discretion is advised, and parents and guardians are encouraged to supervise younger viewers. Programmes rated PGR can screen between 9am - 4pm and between 7pm - 6am. Examples of PGR rated programmes include Family Guy, The Simpsons, Lost, Shortland Street and Fear Factor.

AO (Adults Only): AO programmes contain material of an adult nature handled in such a way that it is unsuitable for children. Such programmes are directed primarily at a mature audience and can screen between noon and 3pm on a school day (except during school and public holidays as designated by the Ministry of Education), and between 8:30pm - 5:00am. A special sub-class of this rating, denoted AO 9:30 p.m. or later, is reserved for programmes with a "greater degree of sexual activity, potentially offensive language, realistic violence, sexual violence, or horrific encounters" and are considered unsuitable for viewing before that time. www.bsa.govt.nz. Examples of AO rated programmes include CSI, Ghost Whisperer, and Green Wing.

The rating for each program is shown at the start and after each commercial break. Some PGR programmes and most AO programmes have an advisory before the program begins to advise of any specific content that could offend viewers such as language, nudity, sex and violence.

Peru

The ratings for television programs are available on all Peruvian channels. The rating system used in Peru is listed below.

Characters used	Meaning in Spanish	Translation into English
Apt	apto para todo publico	suitable for all public viewers
14	apto para mayores de catorce años	suitable for people aged 14 and above only
18	apto para mayores de dieciocho años	suitable for people aged 18 and above only

There is a slight variation in the television ratings of programs on broadcast on América Televisión, which is the only television channel in Peru to have its own rating system.

Characters used	Meaning in Spanish	Translation into English
G	público en general	general audience
GP	guia paternal	Parental guidance
TV-14	mayores de 14 años	suitable for people over the age of 14 only (same rating that's shown on the United States)
TV-18	mayores de 18 años	suitable for people over the age 18 only

Philippines

In the Philippines, there are only two television ratings; General Patronage and Parental Guidance. A static Parental Guidance digital on-screen graphic appears during the duration of the program if it was rated as such. Live news programs usually do not carry the graphic, with the exception of entertainment news programs. All programs shown on Philippine free-to-air television channels are reviewed by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. The board may suspend or cancel programs, but not revoke broadcast franchises.

Poland

Until August 2005, Poland's television ratings system consisted of three icons:

• green circle with circle in center (for all ages)
• yellow circle with triangle in center (parental discretion advised)
• red circle with square in center (adults only)

The current Polish television rating system, instituted in August 2005, consists of five icons:

• green circle (for all ages): nothing objectionable; e.g. Teletubbies, SpongeBob SquarePants
• yellow triangle with '7' in center (suitable for children over the age of 7): may contain mild bad language, bloodless violence; e.g. Chicken Run
• yellow triangle with '12' in center (suitable for children over the age of 12): some bad language, some violence, some sexual content; i.e. Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mission: Impossible, Kiler, The Nutty Professor, 6teen
• yellow triangle with '16' in center (suitable for children over the age of 16): bad language, considerable amount of violence, more sexual content; e.g. A Man Apart, Mutant Aliens, Elfen Lied
• red circle (adults only): excessive violence, explicit sexual content; e.g. Blue Velvet, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Ett hål i mitt hjärta, South Park

Icons are seen continuously during movies and TV programs (except commercials). Informative programs, sports and commercials are exempt from classification.

Portugal

The Portuguese TV ratings were many times refused by the audience; however the TV networks RTP, TVI & SIC decided to set boundaries for the shows. This type of ratings has been only applied since 2006.

Here is the ratings system:

• File:Todos.jpg - Todos (suitable for all)
• - 10, Aconselhamento Parental (may not be suitable for children under 10, parental guidance is suggested)
• File:12ap.jpg - 12, Aconselhamento Parental (may not be suitable for children under 12, parental guidance is suggested)
• File:16anos.jpg - 16 (may not be suitable for children under 16)

The logos must be shown at the beginning of any program and after every break, disappearing after one minute.

There's also an additional logo that has been used for years. It has the same use of the 16 rating but must be shown for the whole duration of the show and applies also to the broadcast of movies rated 18 by the Portuguese Board of Film Classification:

• File:Bola vermelha.gif - Program contains disturbing material.

Romania

Romanian rating system.

• AP: Acordul părinţilor (Parental guidance is recommended for children below the age of 12)
• 12: Interzis copiilor sub 12 ani (Not recommended for children under 12 years of age)
• 15: Interzis minorilor sub 15 ani (Not recommended for children under 15 years of age)
• 16: Interzis minorilor sub 16 ani (Not recommended for children under 16 years of age)
• 18: Interzis minorilor sub 18 ani (Not recommended for children under 18 years of age)

South Africa

South African ratings are issued and certified by the Film and Publication Board, whilst the National Broadcasting Commission regulates the various films and programmes. All television stations, cinemas and distributors of DVD, video and computer games must display the following signage:

• Family - This is a program/film that does not contain any obscenity, and is suitable for family viewing. A logo must be displayed in the corner of the screen for 30 seconds after each commercial break.

• PG - Children under the age of 12 may watch this program/film, but must be accompanied by an adult. This program contains an adult related theme, which might include very mild language, violence and sexual innuendo. A logo must be displayed in the corner of the screen for 1 minute after each commercial break.

• 13 - Children under the age of 13 are prohibited from watching this program/film. This program contains mild language, violence and sexual innuendo. A logo must be displayed in the corner of the screen for 2 minutes after each commercial break.

• 15 - Children under the age of 15 are prohibited from watching this program/film. It contains moderate violence, language, and some sexual situations. In the case of television, this programme may only be broadcast after 9pm - 4.30am. A logo must be displayed in the corner of the screen for 5 minutes after each commercial break. A full screen warning must be issued before the start of the program. If the program is longer than an hour, a warning must be displayed every half an hour.

• 18 - Children under the age of 18 are prohibited from watching this program/film. It contains extreme violence, language and/or graphic sexual content. In the case of television, this programme may only be broadcast from 10pm - 4.30am. A logo must be displayed in the corner of the screen for the duration of the program. A full screen warning must be issued before the start of the program and after each commercial break.

(The 18 rating does not refer to adult, child or animal pornography - as this is banned from television and cinema by the Film and Publication Board)

• R18 - this is reserved for films of an extreme sexual nature (pornography). R18 films may only be distributed in the form of video and DVD in a controlled environment (eg. Adult Shops). No public viewing of this film may take place. R18 films may not be broadcast on television and in cinemas. This has been breached twice by ETv, where the soft bordering hardcore Emanuelle was screened.

(The R18 rating does not refer to child or animal pornography - as this is totally banned by the Film and Publication Board)

additional symbols:

• V (Violence)
• N (Nudity)
• S (Sex)
• L (Language)

Thailand

The Television Classification System has been firstly introduced in the Kingdom of Thailand on 1st December 2006. The System is a project of the Government Public Relations Department by the Office of National Broadcasting Commission and all 6 Thai TV stations to set up a procedure of TV program classification. The main 4 (and 3 sub) rating signs (Thai characters) are now shown on screen before and during the duration of the program. However, the stations have to follow the existing laws - do and don't - on broadcasting program. The ratings (translated into English) used are as follows:

• P - Pre-school Children: made for children aged 2 - 6. (ก)
• C- Children: made for children aged 6 - 12. (ด)
• G - General: for all ages. (ท)
• PG - Parental Guidance: children and youth viewers should be advised by adults during viewing. (น)
• PG13 - Parental Guidance 13: Not suitable for children under 13 (น ๑๓)
• PG18 - Parental Guidance 18: Not suitable for children under 18 (น ๑๘)
• S - Special: 18+ only. (ฉ)

Turkey

The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) introduced a television rating system, named "Akıllı İşaretler" (Smart Symbols) in 2005.

• General Audience (Genel İzleyici)
• For 7 or up (7 Yaş ve Üzeri için)
• For 13 or up (13 Yaş ve Üzeri için)
• For 18 or up (18 Yaş ve Üzeri için)

These icons can be accompanied by any of the following subratings:

• Sexual Activity (Cinsellik)
• Horror and/or Violence (Korku ve Şiddet)
• Inappropriate Material (Olumsuz Örnek Oluşturabilecek Davranışlar) - refers to drug/alcohol/tobacco use, profanity/crude language, etc.

United Kingdom

For details on the video and DVD classification system in the UK, see British Board of Film Classification.

In the United Kingdom there is no general TV rating system as the television regulator, Ofcom, sets clear boundaries for what can be shown and when. The most obvious example of this is in the watershed, the time after which more explicit content (15, 18) can be shown. On main broadcast television channels this is 9pm, however on certain satellite channels it is 8pm.

In addition to Ofcom's requirements, some channels have also adopted their own systems:

• BBC One and ITV have implemented verbal announcements before programmes indicating the nature of the content about to be shown, although they show comparatively little explicit material when compared to BBC Two, Channel 4, Channel 5, and the other channels available for no extra charge on Freeview, all of which now make similar warnings. In theory any programme may be shown immediately after the 9pm watershed, however, the schedulers tend to employ a 'sliding scale' attitude to the content; it is therefore down to the personal discretion of each scheduler as to what is shown & when. In addition to the watershed rules there is lee-way offered at anytime of the day dependent upon the educational reasons for showing an item; for example you could see an unedited child birth, or get explicit advice on sexual health should that be the topic of the programme.
• In addition to the above, Channel 4 occasionally has extra announcements before a programme resumes from a commercial break, if the content in a certain segment is viewed to be likely to cause offence. (i.e. if the programme crosses the watershed). Examples include the usage of the word "cunt" on Big Brother and a standard "don't try this at home" disclaimer before and during Jackass. See also red triangle.
• Five has its own rating system, roughly based on a mixture of the BBFC and MPAA movie classification systems, used for films only:
  • Universal rating - The film is appropriate for all ages and may even be suitable for family viewing. Symbol: Green Triangle with white U on
  • Guidance rating - Can contain some mild violence, language or brief nudity. Some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.
  • Caution rating - Can contain strong violence, swearing, sex, explicit material or disturbing scenes. For adults only.
• Sky Movies shows a screen displaying a rating of a film before it is broadcast. The ratings are based on the BBFC ratings and a verbal announcement such as "Sky has rated the following film as 12" is given. Explicit content (15, 18-rated) may be shown before the watershed because the channels are PIN protected on digital satellite and cable.
• It is also interesting to note that partial nudity (breasts & bottoms) is common place throughout the schedule in both programming & advertising regardless of the watershed. This has been a gradual societal shift over the past 10 years to a more relaxed attitude in such matters; and one which has been supported by many studies indicating that the British public are far more concerned about levels of violence & bad language than nudity.
• One incident involved CGI cartoon series ReBoot, when ITV aired the third season on their children's network, CITV took it off air due to Dark and Violent themes in the series.
• It is often noticeable that Channel 4 are more likely to either cut out parts without notifying the audience or notify them of the content before the programme is to come on. Such examples that are edited for daytime viewing are repeats of many popular shows such as; Big Brother, Friends, Will and Grace, The Simpsons and Desperate Housewives. One such scene in Desperate Housewives episode Now You Know was deemed to offensive to air even in the 10pm timeslot, but this scene was also cut on a global scale after it's initial airing in the USA caused so many problems. Also with the repeat of the season 2 finale episode Remember, several scenes were noticeably cut out from it's original airing, due to a massive change in the timeslot. On it's initial airing on 18 June 2006 at 11pm, more of the gorier and innapropriate scenes were still in as like most american shows, they air post-watershed. But on the 30 July 2008, the same episode was shown in a 1.00pm-2.00pm timeslot, meaning that many scenes got cut and as a result the show had finished slightly earlier than expected at 1.54pm. It is now thought that Channel 4 are a lot more sensitive with the contreversial shows, since the contreversy that was given out on a global scale with Celebrity Big Brother Series 5

United States

The TV Parental Guidelines system was first proposed on December 19, 1996 by the Congress, the television industry and the FCC, and went into effect by January 1, 1997 on most major broadcast and cable networks in response to public concerns of increasingly explicit sexual content, graphic violence and strong profanity in television programs. It was established as a voluntary-participation system, with ratings to be determined by the individually-participating broadcast and cable networks. It was specifically designed to be used with the V-chip, which was mandated to be built into all television sets manufactured since 2000, but the guidelines themselves have no legal force, and does not apply to news or sports programming.

• TV-Y (All children)

  The themes and content in programs issued this rating are specifically appropriate for all Children; some materials are aimed at a young audience, mainly those ages 2-6. These programs are not expected to frighten or upset younger children. Examples of programs issued this rating include Ni Hao, Kai-lan, Wow Wow Wubbzy, and Barney And Friends. Additionally, on some TV-Y programs, an E/I will be shown in the program's entirety if it contains educational content, or if it used to fill a network's E/I requirements.

File:TV-Y7.png

File:TV-Y7-FV.png

• TV-Y7/TV-Y7-FV (Directed to older children)

  These shows may be suitable for all, but may not be appropriate for some children under the age of 7. This rating may include mild fantasy violence, crude or sugesstive humor and may contain some content not apporpriate for younger children. Examples include Ed, Edd n' Eddy, Johnny Test, The Mighty B! and SpongeBob SquarePants. When a show has more violence than a TV-Y7, TV-Y7-FV, another rating, is used. Pucca and Gargoyles are often given a TV-Y7-FV, along with most other action-adventure programs aimed at children.

File:TV-G.png

• TV-G (General audience)

  Programs issued this rating are deemed appropriate for all ages and similar to the movie rating of the same, however content in these programs are not always specifically intended towards children under the age of 10. Examples of programs issued this rating include The Price Is Right, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, earlier episodes of American Idol, religious programming, documentaries, sports, and how-to shows. Many programs on the Disney Channel such as Hannah Montana use the G rating instead of the Y7 rating as the Disney Channel aims toward a family audience.

• TV-PG (Parental guidance)

  This signifies that the program may be unsuitable for children under 10 without the guidance of a parent and similar to the movie rating of the same. Various game shows and most reality shows are rated TV-PG including Supernanny, Wife Swap and American Idol for their suggestive dialog, suggestive humor, and/or coarse language. Some prime-time sitcoms such as Everybody Loves Raymond, The Simpsons and Seinfeld usually air with a TV-PG rating. The only late night talk show to carry this rating is Late Show with David Letterman. Additionally, some unedited programs on Cartoon Network carry this rating such as One Piece (the FUNimation version, though some early US episodes are rated TV-Y7-FV) Naruto, Total Drama Island, and sometimes the late night Family Guy (Adult Swim). Many feature films originally rated PG-13 and some R-rated films edited for network or basic cable are rated TV-PG. The rating may be accompanied by one or more of the following subratings:

  • V for moderate violence (mild references of blood)
  • S for suggestive humor
  • L for mild to moderate language
  • D for suggestive dialogue

File:TV-14-V.png

• TV-14 (Parents strongly cautioned)

  Programs issued the TV-14 rating are usually unsuitable for children under the age of 14 without the guidance of a parent or guardian. This rating may be accompanied by any of the following subratings:

  • V for strong violence and/or blood
  • S for moderate sexual situations
  • L for moderate to strong language
  • D for sexual dialogue

  Many programs that air after 9:00 pm are rated TV-14, including late night staples The Tonight Show and Saturday Night Live. Many prime-time dramas and some more raunchier sitcoms such as Family Guy and That 70's Show use the rating as well. Many daytime soap operas such as Guiding Light, and As The World Turns, and wrestling shows such as ECW on Sci-Fi Channel and WWE Raw have this rating as well. Certain PG-13 or R rated feature films are rated TV-14 when edited for network or basic cable. The Breakfast Club which was originally R rated was given a PG rating in its edited version, for example.

Many programs may alternate between TV-PG and TV-14 and others alternate between TV-14 and TV-MA, depending on the content of the episode.

Often award ceremonies (such as the Academy Awards), concerts, and some specials will be rated TV-14, due to the unpredictable nature of those programs.

File:TV-MA.png

• TV-MA (17+ Only; formerly TV-M until 1998)

  This program is not intended for children and therefore may not be suitable for children under the age of 17. The program may contain extreme graphic violence, strong profanity, overt explicit sexual dialogue, nudity and/or strong sexual content. Although not a very large number of shows carry this rating, South Park frequently carries a TV-MA rating, with the syndicated episodes receiving TV-14 ratings, as well as original programming on HBO and Showtime and some of the shows on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim such as The Boondocks, Metalocalypse, and Lucy, the Daughter of the Devil. The film Schindler's List was the first network TV airing to display this rating whereas the pilot episode of the CBS police drama Brooklyn South (fall 1997) was the first network TV show to display the rating. Whenever South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut airs on Comedy Central it carries the TV-MA-LVS rating.

This rating may be accompanied by any of the following subratings:

• V for extreme graphic/gory violence
• S for explicit sexual nature
• L for crude, explicit language

The implications of these ratings, particularly the TV-MA rating, vary greatly depending on the situation. For example, South Park, which airs on Comedy Central in prime time, generally contained bleeped language even though it carries the TV-MA rating. Yet certain other TV-MA programs on Comedy Central (including the late-night "Secret Stash" airings of films such as South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, Kevin Smith titles, Jackass films and other programs) appear to have no restrictions on language. This largely depends on the wishes of the shows' sponsors.

Used Sub Ratings

The ratings are sometimes accompanied by subratings, depending on the amount of objectionable content in the program.

Rating	Violence (V)	Language (L)	Sexual Content (S)	Dialogue (D)	Fantasy Violence (FV)
TV-Y	N (unused)	N (unused)	N (unused)	N (unused)	N (unused)
TV-Y7	N (unused)	N (unused)	N (unused)	N (unused)	Y (exclusive)
TV-G	N (unused)	N (unused)	N (unused)	N (unused)	N (unused)
TV-PG	Y (used)	Y (used)	Y (used)	Y (used)	N (unused)
TV-14	Y (used)	Y (used)	Y (used)	Y (used)	N (unused)
TV-MA	Y (used)	Y (used)	Y (used)	N (used between 1997 and 1998)	N (unused)

For the first 15 seconds of every rated program lasting a half-hour or less, a large rating icon appears in the upper-left hand corner of the TV screen. For every rated program running an hour or longer, a rating appears in the upper-left hand corner of the TV screen at the beginning of each half hour.

Starting in the summer of 2005, many networks will now display the icons after every commercial break. ABC was one of the first television networks to display the program's rating after every commercial break in addition to at the beginning of the program.

Many networks have also introduced their own styling to the icons:

• ABC's ratings icons do not use the regular Helvetica font, instead going with a Bank Gothic typeface, with black type on a white background, and are larger than the voluntary specifications. However, normal Helvetica ratings icons are shown on the network's HDTV feed and in promos.

• CBS and The CW only show the icon at the start of the program, and use the original smaller icons (excluding WWE Friday Night SmackDown, which is rated by its production company).

• Fox networks ratings icons are colored blue with white type, use a clockwise transition animation, and are larger than the voluntary specifications, appearing at the start of any live action program and, as of April 9, 2007, after every commercial break (the complete 15 seconds of the icon is shown as close to the half-hour as possible during an at least hour-long program; five seconds of the icon, without the clockwise transition, is shown after every other commercial break). Black and white icons are retained for animated programs on the network and the 4Kids TV weekend children's block. The clockwise animation is in use with these as well, with 15 seconds of rating at the top of the 1st and 3rd segments, and (as of March 24, 2007) five seconds of rating at the top of the 2nd and 4th segments. In the late 1990s, when the ratings system was first introduced, 4Kids TV predecessor Fox Kids aired brief notices before a particular show containing the rating and informing the viewer that it's there "so you can have Fox Kids family fun!". However, Fox's related cable networks, FX, Fox Reality, Fox Movie Channel and National Geographic Channel, do not use the clockwise blue ratings, instead opting to use a ratings icon with white text on black, which at the start of a show will take up 1/12th of the screen, as per specifications used by the cable industry. After each commercial break it is shown at the original smaller size (excluding Fox Movie Channel, which does not show commercials). During ABC Family's stint as Fox Family, it used the black icons.

• WGN America has small black Icons with white text and only shown at the start of the program or after each hour if the program last more than an hour.

• NBC's ratings icons are translucent (except at the top of each hour or the start of a program, when they are completely opaque), and have the yellow feather in the NBC Peacock logo "click" the rating onto the screen like a mouse cursor clicking an icon to go with that network's current image branding. NBC, Telemundo, and their related cable networks (except USA Network and Sci Fi Channel, which were acquired by the network in the 2004 NBC Universal merger) did not use the D-L-S-V subratings until 2005. In addition, the NBC cable channels utilize the Arial Bold font on their ratings. [1] [2].

• PBS' ratings icons vary by each program's producers, though usually the default icons are used, with black Helvetica type on a white background. PBS and the network's digital cable networks/digital broadcast subchannels also opted out of the D-L-S-V subratings until 2005.

• Syndicated programming often will show ratings icons drastically different from the original icons, in a different font (such as Tahoma, used on Disney ABC Cable Networks owned channels), with a translucent or no background, letters with drop shadowing, or which match up with the title card or closing credits font for the program. This owes to the fact that the individual programs' production companies, not the broadcasting stations, apply the ratings. One syndicated game show, Jeopardy!, shows its rating after the introduction of the contestants, instead of at the very start of the program.

• Both NBC and MyNetworkTV show the icon within the video area instead of the normal placement on a 4:3 scale whenever letterboxed programs are aired.

• Turner Classic Movies uses the television ratings system to rate films not covered by the MPAA film ratings system, which went into effect for films released after October 1968. As the network or the film's distributor rates the film on the TV ratings system instead of the MPAA's, some conflicts occur between the two ratings systems, such as a film that might rate an MPAA G earning a TV-PG, and some cases of an MPAA PG-like movie earning a TV-14 rating on TCM. This was a result in the changes of the level of content in the rating system. Most G-rated movies back in the late 60s and early 70s have content equivalent to PG and PG-13 today. Some movies rated PG in the 70s would earn a rating of at least PG-13, or possibly R, under current rating standards. Some MPAA rated films may also have a separate TV rating from TCM to clarify content further within the D-L-S-V subratings. MPAA and TV ratings on TCM are presented before the program, in a separate segment, in a similar manner used by most premium movie channels.

• All Turner networks, owned by TimeWarner, air the ratings icons after each commercial break, with a larger version of the icon at the top of the program (sometimes to conceal a rating previously applied by a different network). The rating icons are black lettering on a translucent white background. Lifetime previously did this, but is owned by Disney unlike the networks previously mentioned.

• Some networks have begun to air a ratings screen before the start of a program, similar to the ones used by premium cable networks.

Venezuela

Television content in Venezuela is regulated by the Law on Social Responsibility on Radio and Television (Ley de Responsabilidad Social en Radio y Televisión), introduced in January 2003. The law established a rating system from A to E based on evaluation of language, health, sex, and violence in a program. Content rated A contains mild content. Programs with certain ratings may only air at certain times; cable providers must block programs with a rating of E for sexual content, or else be fined.