We all know Kijkwijzer from films and television. It is a tool that uses understandable logos to indicate up to what age parents and caregivers should pay extra attention to a film or game, and with an added logo explaining why this warning is issued. Kijkwijzer warns against issues such as violence, drugs, sex and other matters. What does which logo mean? We all know Kijkwijzer from films and television. It is a useful tool that uses understandable logos to indicate the age up to which parents and caregivers should pay extra attention to a film or television program. An added logo indicates why this warning is being issued. Kijkwijzer points out the content when it contains topics such as violence, drug/alcohol abuse, sex, discrimination, foul language and fear. And not only is there a viewing guide for films and television programmes. A similar system has also been set up for computer games and nowadays even for games on smartphones. This system is not called Kijkwijzer but PEGI. Kijkwijzer is a service from NICAM, the Dutch Institute for the Classification of Audiovisual Media. The target group for both classification systems are the parents and caregivers of children.
What does Kijkwijzer do and what not?
Kijkwijzer also does not provide information about the suitability or quality of the program or film in question. For example, a serious documentary has the advice All Ages , because it does not contain harmful images for children. However, the film may still be unsuitable for small children, for example because the content is much too difficult.
Kijkwijzer does not judge the content or quality of television programs or films. A judgment is subjective and that responsibility lies entirely with the parents and caregivers. Kijkwijzer only warns about potentially harmful images. Ultimately, parents decide what their children can see. However, the government has attached a legal provision to the different age limits.
Most Dutch television channels indicate on teletext page 282 which Ki jkwijzer classification applies to the programs broadcast and to be broadcast.
What does which logo mean?
Below you will find an overview of all logos used. The Kijkwijzer warning therefore consists of an indication up to which age alertness is required, combined with a logo or logos that indicate the reason for the warning.
Suitable for all ages
Films and television programs with this rating do not contain potentially harmful content, such as violence, drug/alcohol abuse, sex, discrimination, strong language and/or fear. It is therefore suitable for children of all ages.
Be careful with children up to 6 years of age.
Films and television programs with this classification may contain harmful content, such as violence, drug/alcohol abuse, sex, discrimination, foul language and/or fear. Kijkwijzer advises parents and caregivers to consider not letting children under the age of six watch or at least be alert. People often incorrectly think of this logo: suitable from 6 years and older. The point is to be alert in the group up to 6 years old.
Be careful with children up to 9 years old.
Films and television programs with this classification may contain harmful content, such as violence, drug/alcohol abuse, sex, discrimination, foul language and/or fear. Kijkwijzer advises parents and caregivers to consider not letting children under the age of nine watch or at least be alert. People often think incorrectly about this logo: suitable from 9 years and older. The point is to be alert in the group up to 9 years old.
Be careful with children under the age of 12.
Films and television programs with this classification may contain harmful content, such as violence, drug/alcohol abuse, sex, discrimination, foul language and/or fear. Kijkwijzer advises parents and caregivers to consider not letting children under the age of twelve watch or at least be alert. People often think incorrectly about this logo: suitable from 12 years and older. The point is to be alert in the group up to 12 years old.
Be careful with children under the age of 16.
Films and television programs with this classification may contain harmful content, such as violence, drug/alcohol abuse, sex, discrimination, foul language and/or fear. Kijkwijzer advises parents and caregivers to consider not allowing children under the age of sixteen to watch or at least to be alert. People often think incorrectly about this logo: suitable from 16 years and older. The point is to be alert in the group up to 16 years old.
Fear
Linked to the classification to be alert up to certain ages, this logo is used to indicate that the risk of fear, for example due to scary scenes, is the reason for this warning.
Discrimination
Linked to the classification to be alert up to certain ages, this logo is used to indicate that scenes in which explicit discrimination is expressed are the reason for this warning.
Drug and/or Alcohol Abuse
Linked to the classification to be alert up to certain ages, this logo is used to indicate that scenes in which alcohol and /or drug use are clearly visible are the reason for this warning.
Violence
Linked to the classification to be alert up to certain ages, this logo is used to indicate that violent scenes are the reason for this warning .
Sex
Linked to the classification to be alert up to certain ages, this logo is used to indicate that scenes showing explicit sex are the reason for this warning.
Foul language
Linked to the classification to be alert up to certain ages, this logo is used to indicate that there are scenes in which foul language occurs, which are the reason for this warning.
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