BBFC - All news

Content, empowerment and shaping the future generation: BBFC panel event

Maggy Boatman — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 14:29:01 +0000

2020-09-22T00:00:00

This month, we hosted our first ever online panel event for our charity partners and key stakeholders in which we explored how children and young people’s experiences over the last few months in lockdown will affect the way they consume media and content in the future.

Hosted by journalist and former politician Gloria De Piero, our expert panel included; our Chief Executive, David Austin; renowned psychologist, Dr Linda Papadopolous; the Head of Editorial Standards at BBC Children’s and Education, Catherine McAllister; PSHE Association Senior Subject Specialist, Jenny Fox; and Noah, an Into Film Young Reporter.

What followed was an open and honest discussion about the world of children’s media and insightful information for parents and teachers about how you can help the children in your life make decisions that are right for them.

Children as young as six regularly making their own decisions about what content to watch, without help from mum or dad

megan.sutherland — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 08:10:44 +0000

Over half (51%) of 6 - 15 year olds don’t talk to their parents about choosing what content to watch
Four in ten (42%) parents say they’re concerned about what effect upsetting or disturbing content might have on their child’s development
But the majority of parents (63%) agree films and TV shows are good springboards to talk to their children about difficult topics, including mental health and sexuality

2020-09-09T00:00:00

New research by the British Board of FIlm Classification (BBFC) has revealed that more than half (51%) of children aged 6 - 15 choose what to watch all or almost all of the time, without help from their parents.

The research, by YouGov, showed that as many as half (46%) of 6 year olds are regularly making their own decisions about what to watch without asking mum or dad. Four in 10 (42%) parents say they’re worried about the effect watching disturbing or upsetting content might have on their development.

Six in 10 (63%) parents of 12-15 year olds think that films and TV can be a useful springboard in starting difficult conversations with their children around topics like mental health and sexuality. And interestingly, three quarters of teens agree (72%).

When it comes to parents with young children, two thirds (65%) with 4-11 years olds say that content can help them start conversations about relationship breakdown, death, illness or bullying. And their children also agree (66%).

David Austin, Chief Executive of the BBFC, said: “It’s clear from our new research that young people and their parents need the right information to help them choose content well. It’s vital for children’s healthy development, and parents’ peace of mind, that they’re confident they’re pressing play on something that won’t cause harm or upset.

“It’s very encouraging that parents - and their children - are approaching each other to talk about depictions of issues they see on screen. That’s why we have comprehensive ratings info on our website, alongside our trusted and well known age ratings, which gives everyone an idea of what to expect.”

Girls are much more likely to talk about their mental health with a parent after watching content on a streaming service - with a quarter of 6 - 15 year old girls (25%) saying they’ve approached a parent after seeing something, compared to less than one in five (19%) boys.

Online classifications increases 462% in five years, according to 2019 BBFC annual report

megan.sutherland — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 11:12:49 +0000

Both film and online BBFC classifications grow in the last year
462% rise in classifications given to online content from from just five years ago
99% rise in film classifications in a decade
15 the most popular age rating for both theatrical and online releases

2020-07-16T00:00:00

Today, the BBFC has released its annual report, which shows a steady growth in both online and film classifications throughout 2019.

In 2019, the BBFC rated 6,506 pieces of content for online distribution, which is a 13% increase from 2018. Compared to just five years ago, online classifications have increased by a staggering 462% (1,158 in 2014).

The most popular age rating for online content is 15, with the BBFC rating 2,976 pieces of content with the classification.

Although content for Video on Demand (VoD) platforms remains the majority of the content classified by the BBFC, film classification has also seen an increase of 6% in the last year, up to 1,103. This marks a 99% increase over the last decade (555 in 2009).

The most popular age rating for film remains 15, with the BBFC rating 368 films for UK cinema goers with the classification.

David Austin, Chief Executive of the BBFC, said: “It’s clear that online platforms continue to thrive in the current media climate, and that they are increasingly using well-understood and trusted BBFC age ratings. Our mission is to help everybody choose content well, whenever, wherever, and however they view it, and people continue to tell us that they benefit from having age ratings and ratings in place, including online.

“Over the last year we’ve continued to keep our finger on the pulse of what people really think, and we continue to make sure our age ratings are where people need them. Our innovative partnership with Netflix saw the streaming platform begin to rate its own content to produce BBFC ratings using a tagging system and algorithms that match the standards British families expect and want to see. We continue to look at new ways we can work with platforms to get families the information we know they need, and want.”

Every film classified by the BBFC comes with long ratings info, available on the BBFC website and free app, so families can choose content well.

Download the BBFC’s annual report

New research reveals kids top 10 films during lockdown

Brittany Maher-Kirk — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 08:16:27 +0000

Trolls (U) tops the polls of feel good films of lockdown, picked by children themselves
Playing outdoors has been kids favourite positive lockdown activity
Full list of films published on CBBFC, along with fun, free activities for children and families

2020-07-02T00:00:00

Trolls (U) has topped a poll of feel good films being watched in lockdown by children aged 4 - 13, according to new research by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

The research, carried out by We Are Family and Panelbase to reflect on children’s experiences during lockdown, found that more than six in ten (62%) kids have watched happy and positive films to cheer themselves up.

The top 10 films are revealed as; Trolls (U); Frozen (PG); The Boss Baby (U); The Greatest Showman (PG); The Lego Movie (U); Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (12); Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (PG), Inside Out (U), Finding Nemo (U), Spiderman: Into The Spider-verse (PG).

For children aged 4 - 11 Trolls is the favourite, but for older children, aged 12 and 13, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle came in first place.

Faye Harcourt, Director of Marketing and Outreach at the BBFC, said: “Film and TV can be an excellent tool for families to use to get together and enjoy a shared experience. It can also act as a positive distraction for children, allowing them to take a break from their surroundings and explore different world views and experiences.

“That’s why we have been working to ensure that kids' voices are heard and, as the global pandemic continues, make sure that families and young people are getting the information they need to choose content well and to stay entertained.

The research also looked at other activities children were doing to keep positive during lockdown, with playing outdoors coming out top (64%). Kids have also been watching videos on YouTube (58%), gaming (54%), baking (43%) and doing arts and crafts (42%) to stay happy and positive.

More than a third (34%) of children have been using apps - like FaceTime, HouseParty and Zoom - to talk to their friends. But older children were much more likely to keep in touch this way, with more than two in five (44%) saying they’ve been using apps to virtually hangout with friends.

Maurice Wheeler, Managing Director of We Are Family who conducted the research, said: “During such an unusual time, it’s important to keep listening to your audience and in particular to capture the thoughts and feelings of children and young people. During lockdown children and families as a whole have turned to entertainment to keep themselves happy and positive, and also to bring the family unit together.”

The poll, carried out by Panelbase, surveyed 1,000 children aged 4 - 13, alongside their parents, and provided participants with a curated list of popular films rated U, PG and 12. Children were then asked to decide what film they would most likely watch when they needed cheering up.

The full list is published on CBBFC, the BBFC’s dedicated children’s website, where families can find out everything they need to know about the films, including the age rating and ratings info. There are also a range of free activities and resources for kids based on the top 10 list, including ‘Movie Night With the BBFC’ packs, case studies and children can also have a go at rating a trailer.

Five new members appointed to the Advisory Panel on Children’s Viewing

Brittany Maher-Kirk — Wed, 06 May 2020 08:16:04 +0000

The BBFC is pleased to announce that Dr Linda Papadopoulos, Catherine Doran, James Lockwood, Catherine McAllister and Dr Helen Molden have been named as the newest members of the BBFC’s Advisory Panel on Children’s Viewing.

2020-05-06T00:00:00

Five new members have been appointed to the British Board of Film Classification’s (BBFC) Advisory Panel on Children’s Viewing (APCV).

Established in 1999, the APCV meets three times a year and advises the BBFC on issues concerning the interests of children and young people. Its members provide a wide range of skills and expertise connected with child welfare and development, and contribute to the development of BBFC policy.

The new members are Dr Linda Papadopoulos, Catherine Doran, James Lockwood, Catherine McAllister and Dr Helen Molden.

Dr Linda Papadopoulos is one of the most well-known and respected psychologists working in the UK today. Linda’s 20 year career as a research scientist and practicing psychologist has led to her work being published in some of the most well-regarded academic journals and given rise to a high profile media career.

Catherine Doran has spent her career providing and developing services, policy and regulation to enhance and protect the lives of children and young people. She is currently Non Executive Director at the Children and Families Court Advisory Service and at the charity Over the Wall, part of the Serious Fun Network.

James Lockwood has worked in education for more than two decades and has served as Headmaster at Woodhouse Grove School, Bradford since 2016.

Catherine McAllister has worked in children’s media since 2005. As the Head of Editorial Standards at BBC Children’s, Catherine is an expert in policy and practice related to digital and broadcast content for children and young people.

Dr Helen Molden is Senior Paediatric Psychologist at Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust, with over 20 years’ experience working with children and young people, including periods at BBC Children in Need and Childline.

Patrick Swaffer, President of the BBFC, said: “The APCV plays an invaluable role in helping the BBFC set policy and guiding us in our decision making. I am delighted to welcome Linda, Catherine, James, Catherine and Helen to the Panel. Their knowledge and expertise will add real value to the work of the BBFC, and I am looking forward to working with them.”

The BBFC is grateful to Nurole for their help and support during the recruitment process.

Half of children and teens exposed to harmful online content while in lockdown

Brittany Maher-Kirk — Mon, 04 May 2020 12:22:07 +0000

47% of teens say they have seen content online they wish they hadn’t seen while in lockdown, and one in seven (13%) see harmful videos everyday.
14 year olds see the most harmful content, with a quarter saying they see inappropriate videos every day.
The BBFC website and free app contains ratings info and age ratings so parents can help their children make informed viewing choices.

2020-05-04T00:00:00

New research by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has shown that children and teens are being exposed to harmful or upsetting content while in lockdown, often on a daily basis.

The research, carried out by YouGov, has revealed that in lockdown, nearly half (47%) of children and teens have seen content they’d rather avoid, leaving them feeling uncomfortable (29%), scared (23%) and confused (19%).

One in seven (13%) said they see harmful content daily while in lockdown, with 14 year olds exposed to the most. A quarter (24%) of 14 year olds say they see harmful content on a daily basis.

This comes as more than half (53%) parents say they haven’t spoken to their children about their increased time online during lockdown, with a third (29%) saying they didn’t think those chats would make a difference.

The BBFC is encouraging parents to talk to their children about what content they might be watching online during lockdown, as 60% of children say they have approached their parents to chat after seeing content that has upset or disturbed them while they’ve been online in lockdown.

Parents, and young people, can check out age ratings and ratings info to find out what content might contain on the BBFC website and app. The BBFC also has a wide range of educational resources to help parents homeschool their children during lockdown available on their website, and on their children’s website cbbfc.

The research also shows that 82% of parents, and three quarters (73%) of children want to see trusted BBFC age ratings and ratings info displayed on user generated content platforms like YouTube, so they can avoid content that might upset or disturb them.

95% of parents said they want age ratings on user generated content platforms linked to parental filters. The BBFC is therefore calling on platforms to consider using BBFC age ratings for their content, and for uploaders of user generated content to age rate their content which could then be linked to parental filters.

David Austin, Chief Executive of the BBFC, said: “This research shows that during the lockdown parents can make a real difference to their children’s risks online if they talk about how to avoid potentially distressing and inappropriate content. We’re supporting parents to help their children to navigate the online world safely, and both our website and children’s website cbbfc, contain a wealth of free educational resources including ones we have developed with the PHSE Association.

“But platforms have a role to play as well. What a difference it would make, for example, if YouTube had well known, trusted BBFC age ratings created by those uploading or watching the video, that parents and young people recognise from the cinema, DVD and Blu-ray and Netflix, linked to filters. Now more than ever we need to work together to protect children online by giving them the information they need to choose content well.”

This research supports the Government’s recognition of the need to help families stay safe online, with guidance recently issued containing the four-point plan including: reviewing security and safety settings; checking facts and guarding against disinformation; being vigilant against fraud and scams; and managing the amount of time spent online.

BBFC release new podcast about films you can watch online during lockdown

megan.sutherland — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 13:19:48 +0000

Find out all about the rise of film releases heading to streaming services early due to COVID-19
The episode marks the first time that the BBFC podcast has been recorded remotely
Listen on Soundcloud, Spotify or iTunes

2020-04-23T00:00:00

Today, the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has released the latest episode of their podcast, which looks at new film releases that can be streamed online, while cinemas remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The podcast discusses new releases including Trolls World Tour, Bloodshot and The Invisible Man, and gives listeners insight into how they were classified. The podcast also features tips on how to recreate the perfect cinema experience at home in lockdown.

The podcast also discusses the BBFC’s recent research into classifying domestic abuse, which was published earlier this year after working with Women’s Aid and Respect. The Invisible Man was one of the first films to use domestic abuse - rather than domestic violence - in its rating info, in a move to offer consistency in highlighting all instances of domestic abuse in films in the ratings info.

This podcast also marks the first time that the BBFC podcast has been recorded remotely, from staff’s own living rooms, in a move to continue the seven year podcast. The BBFC will continue to record in this way during lockdown in order to bring you classification insights, debate and entertainment during lockdown.

Sarah Peacock, Compliance Manager at the BBFC who features on the podcast, said: “This podcast offers lots of information about some of the latest film releases to hit streaming services, so that you can watch them confidently with your family during lockdown. We know that families are spending more time online during these strange and difficult times, and we hope that our podcast - and our other free, educational resources - can help families choose content well, and feel confident before pressing play.”

Listen to the BBFC podcast on Spotify, Soundcloud, iTunes or on the BBFC website.

BBFC office opening times for Easter

Brittany Maher-Kirk — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 10:00:26 +0000

Our offices will be closed from 4.30pm, Thursday 9 April until 9.00am Tuesday 14 April for the Easter period.

2020-04-09T00:00:00

Minister for Digital and Culture, Caroline Dinenage, and children’s charities support BBFC initiative for homeschooling families to help keep children safe

Brittany Maher-Kirk — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 08:36:41 +0000

Free educational resources available on the BBFC website to help parents with homeschooling
Initiative supported by Government and leading charities, including Barnardo’s, PSHE Association and Childnet
Check the age rating and accompanying ratings info of BBFC rated films or episodic content on the BBFC’s website and free app

2020-04-07T00:00:00

Coronavirus is changing daily lives, and in facing the current crisis parents are finding themselves faced with the task of homeschooling their children to keep them safely indoors.

The BBFC has a range of free educational resources, case studies and tools available online, which can help children to access fun, interesting and age-appropriate material. The BBFC’s age ratings, ratings info and resources can also help families more generally choose content well, and avoid potentially distressing material.

CBBFC is the BBFC’s dedicated website for children, which parents can use as a tool to help their children understand what content is right for them, how their choices affect them and those around them, and how to choose films and TV shows well.
The BBFC’s Parents’ Guide to Age Ratings is designed to help parents and carers navigate content with their children. Films, TV shows and websites can make a huge difference in children’s lives, and for children’s healthy development and own sense of wellbeing staying safe online is crucial.
Families can check the age rating and long ratings info - which describes in detail the category defining issues - for BBFC rated content on the BBFC website and free app, keeping their children safe online.
Children can have a go at being a BBFC compliance officer, and rate a trailer themselves. Using the BBFC classification guidelines, children need to think critically about the content in the trailers, consider the audience, and can compare their answer with the actual age rating and ratings info.
Written in partnership with the PSHE Association, the BBFC’s PSHE free resources outline useful ways for parents to use films to talk about films with their children. Parents can download free worksheets, discussion points and lesson plans.
Parents can check out a round up of case studies on the BBFC website, which suggests films to watch and each gives insight into the classification process, as well as suggested discussion points so that parents can help their children begin to think critically about film.
The BBFC has published a list of educational films and TV shows that are available to stream now on video on demand platforms.

Faye Harcourt, Director of Education and Outreach at the BBFC, said: “We are here to help families and young people choose content well. In these difficult times, families are inevitably spending more time online — for homeschooling, entertainment or spending time together as a family. It is hard for parents to monitor closely what their children are watching online in normal times but now it is even more challenging. For children’s healthy development and parents’ peace of mind, staying safe online and learning how to avoid content that might upset or disturb is crucial.

“Our dedicated children’s website, CBBFC, has the tools to help parents understand how to keep children safe online and how to teach them to view content that is appropriate to their age. But also it has some fun resources which are enjoyable as well as educational. Film is a great medium to start getting your children thinking critically, as well as giving them an understanding of how what we watch affects us and the people around us.”

This initiative and round up of free resources from the BBFC is welcomed by Government and children’s charities from across the UK.

Minister for Digital and Culture, Caroline Dinenage, said: "As we stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives, it is important that parents and children can access appropriate content for their age. The government is completely committed to internet safety and I am delighted to see initiatives like this support our work."

Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: "The internet is a fantastic tool for parents who are homeschooling their children during the lockdown, and also for streaming their children’s favourite TV programmes at the end of the day. But with so much content available it can be difficult to know what is safe for children.

"The online world must be as safe as the offline world and we cannot expect children to protect themselves. It's vital that parents have discussions with their children about what is safe for them to watch and why. The BBFC’s website is a useful resource for parents to help assess what’s safe for their children and to help them start conversations at home.”

Sally Martin, PSHE Association Subject Specialist said: “With growing technological developments surrounding film and video content, young people are increasingly required to manage their own viewing habits. This is especially true at the moment, where families are spending more time indoors — watching films and media content online is a popular leisure-time activity. These BBFC resources give pupils or children in Year 5-6 (aged 9-11) the opportunity to discuss relevant scenarios, rehearse the skills of decision making and managing peer influence, and understand how age ratings can support safer choices around the media they consume.”

Will Gardner, CEO of Childnet International, said: “In these unprecedented times, where families are finding themselves indoors much more, it’s more important than ever to give children the skills they need to stay safe online. We know it can be challenging for parents to keep an eye on their children’s online habits, but these resources from the BBFC can help children make informed decisions about the content they choose to watch.”

The BBFC will continue to highlight movies on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels which are being broadcast that families in lockdown can watch together, with fun quizzes for children and parents alike.

How we can support your streaming and VOD releases during coronavirus

Maggy Boatman — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 15:04:09 +0000

We know that coronavirus is currently posing challenges for many content distribution models, especially with regard to theatrical and packaged media releases. With this in mind, some of you may be wondering how best to get content ready for online release.

2020-03-30T00:00:00

To help you assess your options, we have put together this quick guide to getting the right BBFC age rating for your online releases:

If you already have a cinema rating

If we have rated your content for theatrical release, but not yet for DVD/Blu-ray, we can help you get it ready for online release faster. Your content will need a BBFC rating in order to be sold on many digital platforms, but we can prioritise classification of your digital release ahead of your physical release via our Watch & Rate service. If you then submit the identical work for a DVD or Blu-ray rating, your Watch & Rate cost is off-set against the new charge.

If you are also releasing on DVD

If we have already rated your content for DVD, Blu-ray or VHS, you can use your rating on digital video services licensed by the BBFC. This means that you can release your content, without getting it re-rated, on any of the services listed on our website.

For DVD/Blu-ray distributors in the VPRC packaging approval scheme: if you are not yet in a position to submit your DVD/Blu-ray packaging for approval but want to release the content online first, let us know and we will be happy to complete the classification process for it. That way, you can release the classified work online - and if you later decide to do a DVD/Blu-ray release, you’ll just need to remember to submit the packaging for approval before you release the DVD/Blu-ray.

If your content will premiere on streaming or VOD

You aren't required by law to have a BBFC rating for online release, but many VOD and streaming services require them.

You can submit your content for a cost-effective digital-only age rating using our Watch & Rate service, which costs around 57% less than having a work rated for DVD or Blu-ray release.

Submitting your content is easy and flexible. We can accept your content via a number of digital file formats, or we can view from your Media Asset Management system. You can use your existing account to make submissions, or you can request an account on our website.

We’re here to help. Please get in touch with the team to talk about options for your content, and about our digital services.