About TV Parental Guidelines | Using the V-Chip | Other Parental Controls
What are the TV Parental Guidelines?
TV Parental Guidelines provide information about the content and age-appropriateness of TV programs. The TV Parental Guidelines include two elements: an age-based rating that provides guidance about the age group for which a program is appropriate, and content descriptors indicating that a program may contain suggestive dialogue (D), coarse or crude language (L), sexual situations (S), or violence (V).
Do ratings exist that are specifically designed for children?
Yes. Children’s programming is rated according to two categories: TV-Y and TV-Y7. A TV-Y rating means that programming is appropriate for children of all ages. TV-Y7 indicates that programming is designed for children ages 7 and older. An additional rating, TV-Y7-FV, is used to indicate that a program contains “fantasy violence” that may be more intense or combative than other TV-Y7 programs.
Are all TV programs rated?
The Guidelines apply to most television programs. However, news and sports are exempt from the TV ratings system. In addition, some categories of programming, such as religious and home shopping programs, do not typically carry a rating.
Are movies that air on TV rated?
Made-for-TV movies are rated using the TV Parental Guidelines. Theatrical movies are typically edited when they air on broadcast or basic cable channels. The broadcast or cable network cuts content from the movie according to the channel's standards. After the movie has been modified, it is given a TV Parental Guideline rating. Premium cable networks like HBO and Showtime run uncut theatrical movies. These movies carry the original MPAA movie rating, in addition to supplemental content advisories provided by the network.
Who decides how a program is rated?
Programs are voluntarily rated by broadcast and cable television networks, or program producers.
I am a program producer and/or represent a television network; how do I rate my programming?
The descriptions of the ratings categories serve as the basis for applying ratings. E-mail the Monitoring Board with additional questions.
How is the rating displayed on the TV?
A ratings icon appears in the upper left corner of the TV screen during the first 15 seconds of the program. If the program is more than one hour, the icon will reappear at the beginning of the second hour. Many broadcast and cable television networks also display the rating after each commercial break.
Where else can you find a program's rating?
Other places to find program ratings are: 1) local newspaper listings; 2) TV Guide (either paper copy or online); 3) local cable guides; and 4) on-screen cable program guides. Additionally, some television broadcast and cable networks list the program ratings on their web sites.
Does a program carry the same rating week after week?
Programs are rated by episode and, therefore, may carry a different rating based on the content.
Why would a program be rated differently when being aired on different channels?
Programs are often edited for content when being aired on different channels and would be rated accordingly.
What is syndicated programming, and how is it rated?
Syndicated programs are those programs such as talk shows, game shows, and reruns of dramas and sitcoms first run by broadcast or cable networks, which are then licensed and aired by secondary outlets, such as local television stations. The distributor of such programs is usually responsible for rating them.
Are commercials rated? Can commercials be blocked?
Television advertising is not rated, and therefore, cannot be blocked.
Are network promotions rated?
Network promotions are advertisements for a specific daily or weekly program or block of programs. Many promotions display the rating that the program will carry.
Do newspapers carry the TV Parental Guidelines?
A number of newspapers print the rating next to the program name and scheduled time in the listing guide. If your local newspaper does not list the TV ratings, call and ask that it do so.
Where do I send complaints about a program's rating?
The TV Parental Guidelines Monitoring Board is responsible for ensuring that the ratings are applied accurately and consistently. Individuals can contact the Board via mail, phone, or e-mail to voice complaints.
Is there a V-Chip in every television?
The V-Chip is in every television set 13 inches or larger manufactured after January 2000 and some sets sold after July 1, 1999. This means if you bought a new television set after July 1, 1999, it is most likely equipped with a V-Chip.
How do I program and activate the V-Chip?
Each television set's V-Chip works a little differently. Once you understand the definition of each rating and content label, programming and activating the V-Chip is as simple as following the set-up procedure, which can be found in one of two places: 1) the television on-screen menu options or 2) the written instruction guide included in the owner's manual. The V-Chip will only be activated if you select the option to do so.
How do I ensure that my child will not de-activate the V-Chip?
To activate the V-Chip, a password is required. This identification number acts as the password to activate, de-activate, and change the settings of the V-Chip.
Does the V-Chip turn off when I turn my television off?
Turning the television off will not turn off the V-Chip. It will continue to block programs when the television is turned on again.
What if I forget my V-Chip password?
Your TV’s operating manual should have instructions on reprogramming your password. Most will offer two options: a customer service number to call or instructions in the operating manual that explain how to create a new password.
What type of programming does the V-Chip block?
The V-Chip can block programming by age-based category or content label. For instance, if you want to block all TV-14 programs, you can do so by selecting TV-14. If you only want to block TV-14 programs with intense violence (i.e., the program carries a “V” content label), you can select TV-14-V. You should also know that when you block a particular age-based rating, all categories above that will be blocked. For example, if you block TV-14 programs, all TV-MA programs will also be blocked.
Can the V-Chip block out motion pictures that carry the MPAA rating?
Yes. The V-Chip also allows you to block uncut motion pictures that carry the original MPAA rating. Motion pictures that are uncut and unedited typically run on premium channels (e.g. HBO and Showtime).
Can I override the V-Chip settings if I want to watch a program?
Yes, you can turn the V-Chip off by entering the password and following the directions provided on your TV set. You can reactivate the V-Chip the same way.
How do I change the settings on my V-Chip?
Your settings can be changed at any time by entering in the password and following the directions provided on your TV set.
Do other parental control tools exist in addition to the V-Chip?
Additional parental control tools are also available through cable set-top boxes and satellite services, which will often allow you to block programs by channel, title, rating, or time/date. For more information, please visit our Using Parental Control Tools page or our Resources page.
Are additional tools available through cable set-top boxes?
Yes, most set-top boxes allow parents to block programs by channel, title, rating, time and date. You can also block pay-per-view and video on demand purchases. The “Menu” or “Settings” options will often provide instructions for blocking programs, or visit our Resources page for more detailed instructions.
Do satellite services offer additional parental control tools?
Yes, satellite services also offer the option to limit programming based on rating and channel, as well as options to limit television viewing hours and establish spending limits on pay-per-view services. For instructions for specific satellite services, please visit our Resources page.
Do you have a question or complaint about a TV rating or wish to learn more about the TV Parental Guidelines and its oversight?
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