American Television On Screen Ratings
In 1996 The United States Congress and the tv industry designed a voluntary rating system, known as The Parental Guidelines. Similar to cinema ratings, they are designed to provide parents with more information about the content and age appropriateness of programmes. Displayed in the top left corner of the screen, at the beginning of a programme, these are the symbols and what they mean..
TVY - ALL CHILDREN
This would mean the programme is produced specifically for children ages 2-6
TVG - GENERAL AUDIENCE
Suitable for all ages.
Programme would contain little or no violence, no strong language, no sex.
TV14 - PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED
This programme would contain material unsuitable for children under 14 years. Such as intense violence, sex, strong coarse language.
TVY7 - DIRECTED TO OLDER CHILDREN
Viewers aged 7 and above. Themes may include fantasy violence or comedic violence.
TVPG - PARENTAL GUIDEANCE SUGGESTED.
This programme may contain moderate violence, sexual situations, coarse language.
TVMA - MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY
This programme designed specifically for adults. May contain explicit sex, crude or indecent language.