TV Parental Guidelines facts for kids
The TV Parental Guidelines are a system in the United States that helps parents understand what kind of content is in TV shows. This system was first suggested on December 19, 1996. It was created by the United States Congress, the American TV industry, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The guidelines started on January 1, 1997. They were made because people were worried about more grown-up content on TV. Most major TV channels and cable networks use these guidelines. It's a choice for TV networks to use them, not a rule. Each network decides the ratings for its own shows.
These ratings are usually used for most TV shows, TV movies, and edited versions of movies shown on TV. Even some online TV services like Hulu and Netflix use these guidelines. Digital video stores like the iTunes Store also use them.
The ratings work with a device called the V-chip. This chip has been built into most TVs since 2000. It lets parents block shows they think are not right for their children. The guidelines themselves are not laws. They are not used for sports, news, or commercials.
Contents
How the Guidelines Were Made
In 1996, the United States Congress asked the entertainment industry to create a TV rating system. This system would help parents know about TV shows that might not be good for kids. It was meant to work with the V-chip. This device lets parents block shows they don't want their children to watch.
On February 29, 1996, different parts of the entertainment industry agreed to create this system. Groups like the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Motion Picture Association (MPAA) worked together. They decided that TV channels would apply the ratings to almost all shows. They would not rate news, sports, or ads.
On December 19, 1996, the industry announced the new TV Parental Guidelines. This system was like the movie ratings system that started in 1968. The TV industry agreed to show a rating icon on screen at the start of each rated show. They also agreed to put the ratings into a code for the V-chip.
A group called the Monitoring Board was also created. This board checks that the ratings are correct and fair. It also answers questions from the public about ratings. The TV Parental Guidelines began on January 1, 1997.
Later, on August 1, 1997, the TV industry changed the rating system. They worked with groups that help children and doctors. They added more information to the ratings. Shows would still use one of six ratings: TV-Y, TV-Y7, TV-G, TV-PG, TV-14, or TV-MA.
The new plan said that the rating icons would appear for 15 seconds. They would also be larger. Many groups that support families and children liked these changes. On March 12, 1998, the Federal Communications Commission said the rating system was good. They also set up the rules for the V-chip.
Ratings
The TV Parental Guidelines Monitoring Board describes each rating.
TV-Y
This program is designed to be appropriate for all children. This rating means the show is good for children of all ages. The topics in these shows are made for very young kids, even those from ages 2 to 6.
TV-Y7
This program is designed for children age 7 and above. This rating is for children aged 7 and older. The FCC says it's better for kids who can tell the difference between pretend and real life.
TV-G
Most parents will find this program suitable for all ages. Shows with this rating are generally good for everyone. But they might not have content that interests children. The FCC says this rating does not mean the show is made for kids. Most parents can let younger children watch these shows alone.
TV-PG
This program contains material that parents may find unsuitable for younger children. These shows might have some content that parents or guardians think is not right for younger children.
TV-14
This program contains material that many parents would find unsuitable for children under 14 years of age. These shows have content that parents or adult guardians might find not suitable for children under 14. The FCC warns parents to be careful when monitoring these shows. They also suggest not letting children under 14 watch them alone.
TV-MA
This program is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17. This rating means the show has content that might not be good for children. It was first called TV-M. But the name changed in 1997 to avoid confusion with video game ratings. TV channels rarely use this rating. But it is common on some cable channels and streaming services.
How Ratings Appear
For the first 15 seconds of a show that is 30 minutes or less, a large rating icon appears. It is in the top-left corner of the screen. For longer shows (an hour or more), the rating appears at the start of each half-hour. Since June 2005, many networks also show the ratings after every commercial break.
See also
In Spanish: Clasificación por edades (TV Parental Guidelines) para niños
- Television content rating systems
- United States pay television content advisory system
- Motion Picture Association film rating system
- Canadian TV rating systems
