Australia's TV censorship rules are imposed by the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA). Note that if a film received an M or MA rating for theatrical screening it could still require cutting to be a television M or MA.
Classifications/Ratings
| G | General |
| PG | Parental guidance for those under 15 years |
| M | 15+ years, Mature |
| MA | 15+ years, Mature Adult |
| R | 18+ years |
| X | Adult |
A film with a M rating can not be shown before 8:30pm on broadcast TV, and MA is the strongest permitted broadcast TV program category.
| M (mature) | MA (mature adult) |
| Violence may be realistically depicted only if it is infrequent and not too impactful, appropriate to the story and not unduly bloody or horrific. | No sustained, relished or excessively detailed acts of violence and when occurring in a sexual context must be assessed more stringently. Depictions with a high degree of realism or impact must be brief and justified within the story. Violence must not be presented as desirable. |
| Sex and Nudity. Intimate sexual behaviour may only be implied and at most inexplicitly simulated. Portrayal of nudity must be relevant. | No explicit depiction of sexual acts. No depiction of exploitive or non-consenting sex may be seen as desirable. Intimate sex may only be implied or simulated. |
| Mild expletive language considered socially offensive or discriminatory may only be used in exceptional and justifiable circumstances. | No excessive or grossly offensive language. Offensive language must be appropriate to the story and not overly frequent or impactful. Detailed instruction or encouragement in the use of illegal drugs is not permitted. |
One overseas site's attempt to answer the question "Is an anime title suitable for you or your children?" is Anime Cafe with their "A parent's guide to anime" section at http://www.abcb.com/parents/index.htm . ( while I personally may not agree with all their ratings their reviews do give an indication of what violence, nudity, sex and profanity content may/or may not be present -- Adrian ).
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