Aldersmærkning

Aldersmærkning, or age labeling, is the practice of marking products with information about the age for which they are deemed suitable. The purpose is to guide parents, caregivers, and retailers in selecting appropriate items for children and to help reduce exposure to content or hazards considered unsuitable for certain ages.

The label is commonly applied to a range of products, including toys, games, films, apps, software, and other consumer media. Labels can take different forms, such as numeric age recommendations (for example 3+, 7+, 12+, 16+, 18+) or descriptive guidance. Some labels are mandated by national or European regulations, while others are voluntary and provided by manufacturers or rating boards.

Common systems used in Denmark and across Europe include the PEGI ratings for video games, which indicate suitable ages, and various national or regional film and media classifications. For toys, labeling often follows safety directives that may include an age warning or recommended use, reflecting the developmental and safety considerations associated with a product. In digital media, age ratings and parental controls are increasingly integrated into platforms and stores.

Aldersmærkning aims to help consumers make informed choices and to reduce risk by signaling typical suitability and potential content concerns. It is not a substitute for parental judgment or specific risk assessments, as individual children develop at different rates and parental guidance remains important.