A Visual Guide to Content
Kijkwijzer (which translates to ‘Viewing guide’ or ‘Watch-wiser’) is the system used in the Netherlands to rate films, television shows, and video games. It is notable for its detailed, content-focused approach. Instead of just providing a single age rating, Kijkwijzer uses a two-part system designed to give parents and consumers more specific information about the content of a media product.
The Two-Part System
Every rating consists of an age recommendation followed by one or more content descriptors:
- Age Recommendations: This indicates the minimum age for which the content is considered suitable. The age categories are AL (Alle Leeftijden - All Ages), 6, 9, 12, 14, 16, and 18.
- Content Pictograms: These icons visually represent the specific reason for the age rating. This allows a viewer to see at a glance what kind of potentially sensitive material the program contains. The pictograms are:
- Violence (a fist)
- Fear / Angst (a spider)
- Sex (gender symbols)
- Discrimination (a group of figures with one singled out)
- Drug and/or Alcohol Abuse (a syringe)
- Coarse Language (a cartoon swearing symbol)
This dual system provides a much more nuanced level of guidance. For example, two films might both be rated 12, but one might be rated for violence and language, while the other is rated for fear and sex, allowing a parent to make a more informed choice based on their own child’s sensitivities.