Understanding TV age ratings is a crucial part of responsible viewing, as it helps to ensure that content is suitable for specific age groups. These ratings are determined by impotant organizations like the Motion Picture Association (MPA) in the US and the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) in the UK. But what do these ratings mean, and how are they ordered? Let's delve into the world of TV age ratings in a comprehensive, yet easy-to-understand manner.
Age ratings guide parents, educators, and consumers to make informed decisions about the suitability of a TV show or film for specific age groups. They are not just about censorship; they are tools to help maintain a healthy and safe viewing environment. Now, let's explore these ratings in detail, from the oldest to the youngest permissible age groups.
Teen-Oriented Ratings
The first set of ratings we'll examine are those targeted towards teenagers. These are typically rated for younger teens, but may also be suitable for adults.
These ratings serve as a warning that the content may be unsuitable for children younger than the specified age group. They are typically first in order due to the fact that teens are generally old enough to handle more mature themes and subject matter.
Teen and Up - TV-14 (US, MPA)
The TV-14 rating, also known as "Teen and Up", is the first in line of teen-oriented ratings from the MPA. This rating signifies that the content may be misleading for children under 14 due to intense violence, sexual content, or strong language.
For example, shows like "The Walking Dead" or "Game of Thrones" fall under this rating due to their graphic violence and adult themes.
Suitable for 15s (UK, BBFC)
The BBFC's 15 rating indicates that the content is suitable for 15-year-olds and above. Like its MPA counterpart, this rating signifies that the show may contain violence, sexual activity, or strong language that younger audiences may find inappropriate.
Examples of TV shows with this rating include "The Big Bang Theory" and "Sherlock".
Mature Audience Ratings
Next in line are the ratings designed for mature audiences. These ratings signify that the content is intended for adults or older viewers, and may not be suitable for younger audiences without parental guidance.
These ratings usually indicate that the content may contain extreme violence, strong sexual content, or extensive use of strong language and drug abuse.
Mature Audience - TV-MA (US, MPA)
TV-MA, or "Mature Audience Only", is the most restrictive rating from the MPA. This rating means that the content is intended for adults and may be unsuitable for children under 17.
Shows like "House of Cards" or "The Sopranos" are examples of TV-MA-rated content due to their mature themes, harsh language, and graphic violence.
18-rated (UK, BBFC)
The BBFC's 18 rating is the most restrictive rating in the UK. This rating indicates that the content is suitable only for adults, and may contain extreme images or explicit content that is not suitable for viewers under 18.
TV shows like "Oz" or "The Fall" fall under this rating due to their intense violence and disturbing content.
Unrated or Parental Discretion Ratings
Some TV shows may not have an official rating due to various reasons, but may still contain mature content. In such cases, it is advised for parents to exercise discretion and view the content themselves before allowing their children to watch it.
These ratings, or lack thereof, are typically accompanied by a warning such as "Parental Discretion Advised" or "Explicit Content" to inform viewers of the potentially mature nature of the content.
Unrated (US)
Some TV shows, especially those streamed online, may not have an official rating from the MPA. However, they may still contain mature content that makes them unsuitable for younger viewers. It's crucial for parents to preview these shows before allowing their children to watch.
For instance, shows like "13 Reasons Why" or "Mindhunter" are unrated but contain mature themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
NR (Not Rated) (UK)
The BBFC also uses the NR rating for TV shows that are not submitted to them for classification. This rating serves as a warning that the content may contain mature themes and is therefore not suitable for younger viewers without parental guidance.
Shows with this rating include "Narcos" or "Dear White People", both of which contain mature content that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
In the ever-evolving world of television, it's crucial for us to stay informed about age ratings. These ratings serve as a guide to help us make informed decisions about what we watch, and can play a vital role in maintaining a safe and healthy viewing environment. So, the next time you're deciding on a TV show, make sure to check the age rating and make an informed choice.