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Organisation of self-regulation

Name:

Netherlands Institute for the Classification of Audio-visual Media

Based in:

The Netherlands

Type of organisation:

Association of companies

Geographical scope:

Netherlands

Content-related scope:

all media

Related areas:

consumer rights,
youth protection

The Netherlands Institute for the Classification of Audio-visual Media - Dutch 'Kijkwijzer' - warns parents and educators of up to what age a television programme or film can be harmful to children. Kijkwijzer does this firstly by giving an age recommendation: All Ages, 6 years, 12 years and 16 years. In addition, pictograms are used that show the reason for the recommendation: violence, fear, sex, discrimination, drug and/or alcohol abuse and coarse language.

The Kijkwijzer age recommendation does not simply mean that a television programme or film is suitable for children of that age and above. Kijkwijzer makes no pronouncements on this. Kijkwijzer does not pass judgement on the content or quality of television programmes or films. The preferences and standards applied by parents are too diverse to allow this. Kijkwijzer warns of possible harmful images in television programmes or films.

Kijkwijzer is applied on virtually all audio-visual products on offer in the Netherlands, from television programmes and cinema films to films on DVD and video. An exception is made on television for news and live programmes, as it is not possible to classify these in advance. The suppliers of these are obliged to take the broadcast time into account. Viewers must also be warned of shocking images in advance. Since April 2005, Kijkwijzer also applies to some of the services provided on mobile telephones.