1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code 97-43 SPRUpdated December 4, 2002V-Chip and TV Ratings: Helping ParentsSupervise Their Childrens Television ViewingMarcia S. SmithSpecialist in Aerospace and Telecommunications PolicyR
2、esources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryTo assist parents in supervising the television viewing habits of their children,Congress included a provision in the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-104)that new television sets with screens 13 inches or larger sold in the United States beequi
3、pped with a “V-chip” to screen out objectionable programming. As of January 1,2000, all such TV sets must have a V-chip. Use of the V-chip by parents is optional.In March 1998, the Federal Communications Commission approved a ratings systemthat had been developed by the television industry to rate e
4、ach programs content, whichenables the V-chip to work. Congress and the FCC have been monitoringimplementation of the V-chip. Some are concerned that it is not effective in curbing theamount of TV violence viewed by children and want further legislation. Two bills wereintroduced in the 107th Congres
