The Difference Between PG and PG13 in Australia
It has been a long standing debate about whether PG is the right rating for computer games, films and television. Many parents are frustrated by the lack of parental advice in Australian films and television, and a new PG13 rating may be the answer. But how important is it for parents? We’ll examine the difference between PG and PG13 in Australia. And learn why the classification is important. Here are three reasons why.
PG is not recommended for viewing or playing by persons under 15
Parents have to make a tough choice: Should they let their children watch a film with a PG rating or not? This question is no longer a simple one: the new Adam Sandler comedy Blended is rated PG in the US but was classified M in Australia. The Australian Classification Board has noted that the film contains crude humour and sexual references. The New York Times’ chief film critic offers some advice.
Generally speaking, films rated PG are suitable for older kids and teenagers, although it’s not always easy to tell. These films are rated according to their content, so you should watch them with an adult guardian. It is possible to watch films with PG-13 ratings in Australia. These movies are usually screened at family-friendly times. In general, content with this rating isn’t overly violent, but it’s still best to consult a parent or guardian to know what to expect.
In general, PG films have a moderate impact on children. They may contain upsetting or confusing themes. Nonetheless, PG movies aren’t appropriate for young kids to watch alone. For this reason, parents should watch these films with their children to protect them from the potential for trauma and emotional upset. Some examples of movies that fall into this category are Doctor Who and Catalyst.
It is not required for computer games
The Australian Classification Board is the body responsible for rating films, TV shows, and computer games. The ACB began rating in November 1971 with four ratings. The Office of Film and Literature Classification oversaw the ACB, but in 2005 the Office was dissolved and the ACB’s supervision transferred to the attorney-general’s department. The ACB has various criteria to determine what is appropriate for young people to watch or play, including violence, themes, drug use, and nudity.
The Australian Attorney-General John Rau says he has no preconceptions about whether or not computer games should be rated R or PG. He intends to hear the arguments for and against adult classification. In the South Australian state election, the anti-gaming campaign Gamers4Croydon polled 3.6 percent of the electorate and has a presence at close to 20 polling booths. The organisation urged voters to cast their vote, and GameSpot AU conducted an interview with Electronic Arts and Aliens vs. Predator producer Paul Mackman.
One controversial game was Disco Elysium, a surreal game in which players had to take drugs to advance their quest. While it is a surreal experience, the effects of taking drugs are obvious. The game was later banned in Australia, but it is now available digitally. Purchasing through Origin requires a VPN. However, Syndicate is now available digitally. However, the game is only available in digital format.
The ALRC report recommended that commercial computer games be rated MA 15+. The Classification Board argued against this, but parents are increasingly seeking reliable and consistent classification information when purchasing and providing computer games to their children. However, it is not always easy to classify lower-level games. Further, the government has not responded to the ALRC’s report on the issue. It remains to be seen whether the ALRC’s recommendations will be implemented.
The classification of computer games in Australia has long been a contentious issue. The Classification Board has been tasked with reviewing games based on the Federal Government’s guidelines. However, the guidelines have not changed since the 1990s, and this has led to inconsistent classification decisions. The current system leads to the banning of around five games every year in Australia because of the lack of a R18+ classification.
It is not required for films
The Australian Film Industry Association and major film distributors are urging the federal government to adopt a new PG13 classification, which they say would benefit both family-friendly and M-rated films. Film Industry Associations also advocate a uniform classification system across all delivery platforms, including DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and online platforms, supervised by a government regulator. The current review process is too time-consuming and expensive, the groups say. Digital distribution has also shortened the turnaround time from delivery to release.
The ACB does not directly censor the material, but does effectively censor it by refusing to classify it. For example, if a film is not classified as PG, the ACB can ban the film from being screened, exhibited, or imported. Similarly, educational and artistic performances are exempt from classification. However, self-assessed films or computer games are not permitted to use official markings.
Despite what some people may think, movies and television shows in Australia are censored by a PG rating. Historically, Disney animated classics and other animated movies were classified as G. The Australian Classification Board (AAB) defines G content as mild, suitable for all audiences, with no content that would be disturbing or harmful to children. However, films and television programs rated PG are not permitted in many primary schools and NT without parental consent.
Unlike in the United States, the Australian Classification Board was established in Australia in 1917 and started identifying media products that are restricted to children in 1988. The Australian Classification Board’s roots go back to 1917 with a three-member board in Melbourne. Today, the ACB is comprised of thirteen members and is responsible for providing the ratings for films, TV shows, and literature. No parent experience is necessary to sit on the board.
It is not required for television
While PG is not required for television in Australia, it is recommended for certain films and TV programs. Generally, the PG rating denotes content that is mildly violent or disturbing, with little to no graphic violence. The ACMA found that this film and television program exceeded PG requirements. While PG means that there is no violence in the program, the ACMA found that the film and television show discussed in detail some themes that are disturbing to children. The ACMA has recommended that SBS implement new staff training and explore ways to improve audience education on what to expect.
The classification process has evolved over time. Earlier, PG was referred to as NRC, or Not Recommended for Children. Content that is PG could be upsetting to children, so parents may choose to preview it before it airs on television. The parents might also want to discuss the material after watching it with their children. Examples of PG-rated television include Doctor Who and Catalyst.
Since the ratings system for commercial television networks was introduced by the ACMA in December 2015, the classification system has changed. Previously, programmes with an AV 15+ classification could not air on television. Now, PG programmes can air all day, while M and MA 15+ can air any time of the day. Furthermore, adverts with higher classifications can air later. Free-to-air broadcasting in Australia has been regulated to remove restricted classifications, such as R 18+ and X 18. Moreover, these movies are usually recut to secure the PG 15+ rating.
The Australian Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, or ACB Code of Practice, is the self-regulatory body for commercial free-to-air broadcasters. Channel Ten ads are fully described in this document. Moreover, the ACB Code of Practice does not require the broadcaster to display the classification symbol on its air. Nevertheless, it does recognize the ACB rating and its requirement for PG-13.
