What does "PG" stand for in movie ratings?

In movie ratings, PG stands for “Parental Guidance.” The rating means that some material may not be suitable for young children, so parents are encouraged to decide whether the film is appropriate.

The PG label belongs to the voluntary film-rating system used in the United States by the Motion Picture Association. The system began in 1968 after the older Hollywood Production Code was replaced. PG is not an age ban: children can generally attend, but the rating signals that parents should consider the film’s content.

PG originally developed from an earlier “GP” label, which stood for “General audiences, Parental guidance suggested.” The wording was changed to PG in 1972. In 1984, the more cautionary PG-13 category was introduced after concern that films such as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Gremlins were too intense for some children despite receiving PG ratings.

PG should not be confused with PG-13. PG gives a general parental warning, while PG-13 specifically cautions parents about material that may be inappropriate for children under 13. Ratings can also vary by country because national classification systems use different standards.