Oregon Public Broadcasting

TV & Video Games Ratings Resource

What's the difference between a TV program that is rated "Y" and another that is rated "Y7"? Is it okay for my 10-year-old child to watch a movie rated "PG-13"? And what does it mean if a video game says it includes "edutainment" content? Or "fantasy violence"?

Though all your questions can leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed, one answer is clear: It can be very challenging to sort through all the media choices out there and select TV, movies, video games and music that are content- and age-appropriate for your child.

Fortunately, there are many good resources available to help you interpret the different ratings systems and make decisions about your child's media diet. There are also a wealth of books and Web sites with tips to help you talk with your children about what they're watching and teach them to become critical media users. Below are links to some resources that provide helpful information and guidance.

Online Resources about Ratings Guidelines

Online Resources for Parents on Media Literacy

Recommended Books about Media Literacy

Online Resources

Information on Ratings Guidelines

Parental Media Guide
Links to information about TV, movie, video game and music ratings.

Navigating Your Way Through the TV Parental Guidelines and V-Chip
Download a brochure that explains the TV ratings system and how to use the V-Chip. Published by the TV Parental Guidelines Council.

FCC: V-Chip: Viewing Television Responsibly
Information from the Federal Communications Commission site about the V-Chip and TV ratings.

Motion Picture Association of America's Ratings
Describes what movie ratings mean, what types of content may be included in a movie rated G, PG, PG-13, etc.

Entertainment Software Rating Board's Game Ratings & Descriptor Guide
Explains how to interpret the ratings found on computer and video game boxes.

Recording Industry Association of America: Parental Advisory FAQs
Explains how and why music receives a Parental Advisory Label.

Information for Parents on Media Literacy

PBS Parents Guide to Children and Media
Articles, tips and resources on how TV, movies, advertising, computers and video games can shape your child's development and what you can do to create a media-literate household. In English and Spanish.

National Parent Teacher Association: Parent Resources on Media & Technology
Tips for making good media choices for your children and links to articles and resources about TV, movies, music, video games, cell phones and more.

Cable in the Classroom: Media Smart for Parents
Links to resources for parents and teachers on how to help children think critically about media and use media wisely.

PauseParentPlay
Links to resources to help parents choose what their kids watch, hear and play. In English and Spanish.

Recommended Books About Media Literacy

For Parents and Kids to Read Together:

Mouse TV by Matt Novak

Arthur's TV Trouble by Marc Brown

For Parents and Caregivers:

Remote Control Childhood? Combating the Hazards of Media Culture by Diane E. Levin

The Smart Parent's Guide to KIDS' TV by Milton Chen, Ph.D.