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TV Rating System: building citizenship on the small screen
Ratings advisories in Australia – Criteria for General Programming G (General) – the program is suitable for viewers of all ages. Violence – restrained depiction of scenes of physical or psychological violence. Sex and nudity – scenes of and references to sexual behavior must be infrequent and strictly limited to the story line. Language – limited depiction of scenes employing language generally considered offensive or discriminatory. Drugs – references must be justified by the story line and the program may not encourage drug use. Suicide – limited and careful reference justified by the story line, which is not presented as romantic or heroic. Themes – scenes depicting domestic or social violence must have a low sense of menace for children. PG – Parental guidance recommended
M – Recommended for viewing by persons aged 15 years or over MA – Suitable for viewing only by persons aged 15 or over AV – Suitable for viewing only by persons aged 15 or over because of the intensity and frequency of the violence. In general, violence is central to the theme. News and sports programs are not subject to ratings advisories, but are required to comply with the following guidelines: they may not present material in a manner that creates public panic, they must exercise caution when including images of dead or seriously wounded people, and, in regard to broadcast images and information on children (up to age 16), they must observe the rule established in the legislation in force.