An age-rating is a classification system used to indicate the suitability of a media product, such as a video game, film, television program, or mobile application, for viewers or players of a certain age. These ratings typically provide guidance on content, including violence, language, sexual content, and drug use, allowing parents, guardians, and consumers to make informed decisions about what is appropriate for their children or themselves. Different organizations around the world, like the ESRB, PEGI, and MPAA, administer their own age-rating systems, leading to potential variations in rating criteria. The primary goal of age-ratings is to protect children from potentially harmful content and help audiences understand the nature of the media they are accessing.
Age-rating meaning with examples
- The ESRB age-rating on the new action RPG was "Mature 17+" due to intense violence and blood, informing potential players about the game's mature themes and encouraging responsible purchasing. This alerts parents to the mature content, allowing them to assess its suitability for their teenagers, ensuring a more informed decision is made about the game's purchase.
- Before allowing his young child to watch a new animated film, the parent checked its G (General Audiences) age-rating. This confirmed the film’s appropriateness for all audiences, reassuring the parent that the content would be suitable for their child's age and sensitivity without any concerns for frightening scenes.
- The TV channel clearly displayed the TV-MA age-rating on the screen before airing the drama series, warning viewers about explicit language and adult themes. This rating served as a quick reference guide, providing essential information about the series' content, and allowing the viewer to decide if it would be suitable.
- Due to violent content, the online game received an age-rating of 16+ in Europe according to the PEGI system. The PEGI rating clearly described the graphic violence the game presented in the description, warning older children, and allowing a parent to be able to restrict access to the video game with their child in mind.
- A film received an age-rating of PG-13 by the MPAA, indicating some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. The rating system offers parents helpful guidance to determine a film's contents and age suitability. It also suggests the level of caution necessary when taking younger children, keeping in mind specific themes like action violence or suggestive dialogue.