Ikärajat

Ikärajat (age ratings) are classifications assigned to media content and products to indicate suitable age groups and help prevent exposure of minors to inappropriate material. They are used by regulators, broadcasters, cinemas, retailers and online platforms to guide access, with enforcement ranging from admission checks to age gating on digital storefronts. In practice, ikärajat can be legal requirements in some contexts and voluntary industry norms in others, varying by country and medium.

The main domains include film and television, video games, literature, and online content. Classifications are typically prepared by national authorities or rating boards; video games frequently use international schemes such as PEGI. In many jurisdictions, retailers and platforms are expected to check ages for purchase or access.

In Finland, film age classifications are known as elokuvien ikärajoitus and are managed by national authorities. Common Finnish categories include K-7, K-11, K-13, K-16 and K-18, indicating the minimum recommended age and content considerations such as violence or sexual content. These ratings influence cinema admissions, broadcast scheduling, and distribution on streaming services.

Video games in Finland generally follow the PEGI system, with age categories 3, 7, 12, 16 and 18. Retailers and platforms may restrict sales or access based on these ratings. Online platforms may apply additional age gates to protect younger users, while parental controls and consumer laws provide further protections.

Ikärajat are subject to ongoing debate, balancing freedom of expression with protection of minors, and they may evolve as social norms and digital media landscapes change.