Be classification smart
What are classifications?
Classifications signpost what age a programme is suitable for. They are based on the type of content in the programme, for example violence, language, or nudity. A good way to protect your kids is by being ‘classification smart.’ If you understand what the classification labels mean, you can decide whether programmes are appropriate for you and your kids to view. Audience advisories also help and are discussed below.
Programmes which exclude material likely to be unsuitable for children. Programmes may not necessarily be designed for child viewers but should not contain material likely to alarm or distress them. G programmes may be screened at any time.
Programmes containing material more suited for mature audiences, but not necessarily unsuitable for child viewers when subject to the guidance of a parent or an adult.
PG programmes may be screened at any time.
The M classification means the programme might contain violence, sexual material, offensive language, adult themes, nudity, or other content that some children and parents find challenging. The programme may contain content with a moderate impact and themes that require a mature outlook.
M programmes may be screened between 9am to 3pm on weekdays (except during school and public holidays, as designated by the Ministry of Education) and after 7.30pm until 5am.
Whether M content is suitable for you or young people in your home depends on the maturity of the person and the nature of the programme. Broadcasters will consider the likely and target audience when scheduling M content.
Programmes classified 16 contain stronger material or special elements which are outside the M classification. These programmes may contain a greater degree of sexual material, offensive language, realistic violence, and stronger adult themes.
16 programmes may be screened after 8.30pm until 5am.
Programmes classified 18 contain themes which may be challenging or offensive even to some adult viewers.
18 programmes may be screened after 9.30pm until 5am.
What have they
changed from?
As we transition to the new labels you might occasionally see the old labels (PGR, AO) on your TV screen or on your Freeview guide.
Audience Advisories are here to help
Along with the new classification labels you will also see audience advisory symbols and/or written advisories which will tell you about the type of material the programme contains (coarse language, sexual material, violence or distressing content) or if the content is likely to disturb children or be outside audience expectations.
Advisory symbols are presented after the classification label and are:
A written warning might say: 16, content contains coarse language, strong violence or scenes that some viewers may find distressing.
“Keep up with what our tamariki are watching”
If a programme is classified PG followed by advisory symbols L, S, C and V the programme might have some low level coarse language (L); a couple in bed kissing under the sheets (S) or maybe some adult arguments (C) and maybe someone has been shot and there is blood but no explicit violence or injury (V).
If a programme is classified M followed by L, S, C and V the programme might have some moderately coarse language (L), some limited nudity and implied reference to sexual activity (S); maybe an image of someone after they have been harmed (C) and people being shot, with blood and images of injuries (V).