The Green, Red and Yellow classification labels you see on films, DVDs and games can help you to choose the right entertainment for your children.
Look at the classification labels, their colour and the symbol they show, and read the descriptive note on the label, which indicates content that might be of concern to you or your children.
By checking the information on the label, you can see if the film or game is appropriate for your family.
Green ‘G’: The content in the film or game is very mild
Yellow PG: The content in the film or game is not especially strong but may require parental guidance.
Yellow M: Recommended for ‘Mature Audiences.’ These films and games are not aimed at a younger audience.
Red ‘R’ labels are for films and games that are legally restricted and cannot be seen or played by anyone under the age on the label. The legal restriction applies in cinemas and at home. These games or films will always contain sex, horror, crime, cruelty, violence or offensive language, which are not suitable for children and young teenagers.
Red Labels like R13 or R16 mean that a person is breaking the law if they supply or show these films or games to people under the age on the label.
For cinemas, a Red Label means they must not let people under the age on the label see a restricted film. This is why many cinemas ask for photo ID like passports before entry to a restricted film.
For retailers and rental stores, a red label means they must not let people under the age on the label buy or rent a restricted DVD or game.
It also means they must not sell or rent the DVD or game to an adult if they believe that adult will then supply it to a child.
For parents, a Red Label means they must not supply or show restricted DVDs or games to children under the age on the label.
Parents cannot give permission to children to watch or play restricted material, even in their own homes.
Make good choices for your family and check that films and games are age appropriate.
For more information on film and game labels, contact the Office of Film and Literature Classification on 0508-236767. Email: information@censorship.govt.nz
