In January, 1996, the Federal Communications Commission of the United
States mandated that every television 13
inches and larger manufactured after 2000 contain the V chip. This chip was to
work in conjunction with the TV Parental Guidelines to provide parents with a
rating system when viewing television programs. Many other countries have also
adopted similar programs.
The V chip, developed by Tim Collins of Simon
Fraser University,
got its name from its ability to read the vertical blanking interval of a
signal. These blanking intervals can’t be seen, but do contain programming
information such as closed captioning as well as the ratings. The V chip reads
these ratings, and, according to selected criteria, blocks or allows a program.
Televisions that contain the V chip have menus that allow you to activate
and set the options of the chip. Unfortunately, the V chip is not password
protected, so it may only serve to block programs from small children who do
not know how to bypass it.
Compliance to the ratings is on a volunteer basis. The ratings are
determined by the individual broadcast and cable networks. Additionally, the
ratings system is not applied to documentary and news programming or
commercials.
As most viewers can attest, television programs have started to feature the
TV Parental Guidelines ratings at the beginning of their programs. You’ll often
see the symbols displayed before the show begins, and even during the show—especially
with longer features.
The TV Parental Guidelines have been defined as the following:
TV-Y—All children
These programs are appropriate for all age groups, including children ages
two to six.
TV-Y7—Directed toward
older children Programs with this rating contain material that is
appropriate for children “who have acquired the developmental skills
needed to distinguish between make-believe and reality.”
TV-G—General audience
While this program was not designed specifically for children, most
parents would find it suitable for younger children to watch it
unattended.
TV-PG—Parental guidance
suggested Much like the MPAA ratings, these programs may contain
material that is unsuitable for children.
TV-14—Parents Strongly
Cautioned Think PG13 without nudity or overly offensive language (the
FCC doesn’t allow broadcasting nudity and offensive vulgarity).
TV-MA—Mature audiences
only This is the “R” rating for television programs. Children under
the age of 17 should not watch these programs unattended.
Additionally, television ratings will often come with qualifiers. Make sure
to read these to further judge the appropriateness of the program.