Many forms of media, including television, video games or music use a rating system to inform and advise viewers of inappropriate or advisable content. With the amount of violence and explicit content included in much of today's programming, some parents are concerned about their children being exposed to violent or explicit media. Rating systems help parents make educated decisions about what their child can view, hear or play. An understanding of the ratings can help avoid these situations as parents can monitor the content of the programs and games.

Movies

Movies receive ratings from the Motion Picture Association of America. The rating system was developed in 1968, and included four categories. The ratings system has since evolved into its current form to address new and changing media. Movie ratings are displayed prominently on posters and other promotional materials, including movie previews to educate the public. Movie ratings are as follows:

G: A 'G' rated movie is meant for all age groups and it does not contain any explicit language or inappropriate content.
PG: Movies rated 'PG' requires that children be accompanied by a parent or adult in order to see the movie. There may be subtle or slight use of explicit language or content. It may require them to sit with the child to explain some parts.
PG13: The movie may not be appropriate for children under thirteen years of age due to adult situations, explicit language or content. When showing a PG13 movie in theaters, movie goers under the age of thirteen must be accompanied by an adult.
R: Movies containing strong language, violence, nudity, sensual scenes are rated 'R'. These are adult movies, and are not appropriate for children. R-rated movies should be taken seriously by parents, and children under seventeen should be accompanied by a parent or adult to view such movies.
NC-17: Children below seventeen will not be admitted to NC-17 movies or allowed to watch it due to its content, which is highly sexual or violent. These movies are not typically shown in traditional movie theaters.

• MPAA Ratings ��� A good description of movie ratings.
• Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) ��� The homepage for the MPAA with ratings and information for parents.

Music

In agreement with the Parents Music Resource Center and National Parent Teacher Association, the Recording Industry Association of America announced that music containing lyrics that are inappropriate (i.e. describing sex or violence) would be labeled as explicit content. A music album containing explicit content would carry a parental advisory label to distinguish it. Parents may want to take the time to read reviews of a CD or album before allowing their child to listen to or purchase the music; deciding what is appropriate for your child is a very personal decision.

• Parental Advisory Labels ��� The article discusses the viability of Parental Advisory labels.

Television

Television ratings are designed to help parents determine which shows are suitable for their children. Effective since 1997, it is a voluntary system. Television ratings are determined by the channels and networks. However, the ratings system is not applicable to news or sports channels. The ratings used in television are as follows:

TV-Y: These are programs are designed specifically for children between two to five years and they can be animation or live action. Examples of TV-Y rated programs include: Barney and Friends, Dora the Explorer, Bob the Builder, The Mickey Mouse Club, and Sesame Street.
TV-Y7: Children above seven years are the target of programs with a TV-Y7 rating. The programs require more understanding and they may be scary or contain humorous or incidental violence, which may not be suitable for children below seven.
TV-G: These are meant for children and adults. The programs may include some violence, but do not use strong language or sexual dialogue/situations.
TV-PG: A PG rating means that a particular program is not suitable for young children to watch without a parent or guardian present. This could be due to the type of humor or crude language used. The PG rating can be further sub divided. Parents should be prepared to answer questions from their children regarding programming topics.
TV-14: These programs may contain explicit language or adult situations and may not be appropriate for children under the age of fourteen.
TV-MA: Programs with a TV-MA rating are meant for a mature audience and are not appropriate for children due to explicit content, language, or subject matter. These programs are typically shown on television after 10pm. Parents may choose to enable the parental control settings on their television to block such programs from their home.

• Responsible TV Viewing ��� The FCC provides information on the V-Chip, television ratings, and movie ratings.

Video Games

The Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) has developed a ratings system for the Internet, computer, and video games, which is used by most manufacturers and companies. These ratings indicate age appropriateness, description of contents, and more detailed rating as mentioned by the ESRB:

Early Childhood (EC): Games for three years and above fall under this category. Content is safe for any age group.
Everyone (E): The age group from six and above is categorized as 'Everyone'. These games may contain a little violence or mild language.
Everyone 10+ (E10+): As the name suggests, these games are appropriate for ten years or older as they may contain mild language. They are usually fantasies or cartoons.
Teens (T): Games with suggestive themes, stronger language or violence are rated 'Teens'. These games are meant for children thirteen years and above.
Mature (M): This category has themes that are more mature or strong violence or language. These games are meant for gamers who are seventeen year olds or above.
Adults Only (AO): Adults only rated games are meant only for eighteen years or above as they may contain graphic sexual descriptions or violence.
Rating Pending (RP): Games which have been submitted to the ERSB, but pending a final rating have to carry the RP rating during the marketing and advertising campaign.

• Games Ratings ��� The ESRB describes and explains each of the ratings.