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Tools for Knowing What Your Children Watch on Television
Canada's Television Rating System and V-Chip Technology
In 1997, a rating system was developed by the Action Group on Violence in Television in response to parental concerns over violence in television programming. To provide parents with more information about the suitability of a program, non-violent content elements such as language and sexuality/nudity have also been incorporated into the rating system.
For each program broadcast on Canadian English speaking television, one of the seven classification symbols seen below is displayed in the top right hand corner of the screen, leaving the viewer or viewer's parent or guardian better equipped to make their television viewing choices.
The rating system divides Canadian English programming into seven different categories:
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Exempt (suitable for all audiences) |
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Children (intended for children under eight) |
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Children eight and over (considered appropriate for children eight years and over to watch on their own) |
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General audience (considered appropriate for all audiences; while not designed specifically for children, younger viewers may constitute part of the audience) |
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Parental Guidance (programming intended for a general audience, but may not be suitable for very young children) |
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Viewers 14 and over (programming contains content which may not be suitable for children under 14) |
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Adults (intended for 18 and older) |
To view a detailed description of each of the ratings, visit http://www.vchipcanada.ca/english/rating.html
The V-Chip - Helping You Control What Your Children Watch on Television
Further to the establishment of this rating system, the Action Group on Violence on Television developed a new form of technology called the V-Chip ("V" stands for viewer control) to allow parents and caregivers the opportunity to select programming which they believe is appropriate for children, while blocking out programming they would rather not let them watch. For example, a parent or guardian can decide that they only consider programming rated "children" acceptable in their home, and program the V-Chip accordingly so that their television only accepts the "children" classification.
When purchasing a new television in order to take advantage of the V-Chip technology, it is important that consumers make sure it is compatible with the program rating systems being used by Canadian television stations and networks. Be sure to ask for a demonstration of the V-Chip technology your television system uses before you leave the store.
For further information, visit www.vchipcanada.ca.
Click here to return to more facts on kids and TV.
To view Concerned Children's Advertisers television commercials, produced to assist children in making wise media and life choices, visit http://adult.cca-kids.ca/comm/series.htm.
We hope you find TV&ME useful and as always, we welcome your feedback. Be sure to email
us with your comments at info@cca-kids.ca.
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