Italy does not have an official television content rating system, and classification systems may differ from network to network. Generally, a colored label (usually a circular shape with a white stick figure on its centre) system is used:
- Green Label: Suitable for all audiences. Equivalent to TV-Y, TV-G and TV-Y7
- Yellow Label: Parental guidance suggested. Equivalent to TV-Y7-FV, TV-PG and TV-14
- Red Label: Recommended for older viewers. Equivalent to TV-MA
Major television networks respect a "Protected Time Schedule" (from 14:00 to 19:00), similar to the old family viewing hour used in the United States, in which objectionable content is not allowed to air during the hours when children may be watching. For films and TV series, usually the Italian motion picture classification system is observed. If a film rated V.M.18 (restricted to an adult audience) in the theaters airs during the Italian prime time period (about at 10:45 pm/11:00 pm or later), the film will be shown edited to fit a V.M.14 (suitable for viewers between the ages of 14 and 17) rating.