BBFC introduces stricter guidelines for sexual content

The film classifications are to be adjusted to reflect a media world that has “changed beyond recognition” and to reflect the public’s changing views on sex and violence.

Research has shown that young people are more disturbed by “credible real-life scenarios” and that calls for controls on sexual content are louder than those on violent material.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has published new guidelines to protect people who watch potentially disturbing content via streaming services rather than on DVD or in the cinema.

According to the BBFC, a survey of more than 10,000 people found that 97 percent of young people and parents want guidelines for online content. The institute claims that more people than ever want stricter classification.

The investigation also found that violent scenes are tolerated, but there are calls for stricter control of sexual depictions. There have been calls for stricter classifications for media depicting rape and sexual assault.

Real-world scenarios were found to be the most disturbing to audiences, with young people in particular feeling uncomfortable with depictions of discrimination, terrorism, self-harm and suicide.

The new guidelines are designed to respond to the changing needs of the British public and bring order to the increasing content of non-traditional media.

BBFC chief executive David Austin said: “Over the last five years, the way we consume films and videos has changed beyond recognition. That’s why it’s so important that there is consistency between what people see online and offline.”

“The research shows that parents and teenagers look to us for the information and guidance they need to know what is right for them.

“We are updating our standards regarding the depiction of sexual violence and very strong sexual allusions to reflect changes in public attitudes.”

The BBFC claims that the views of British readers surveyed on classifications have changed since 2014 and that they want higher classifications for sexual content, particularly with regard to sexual violence.

Strong sexual allusions and what the BBFC called “the language of pornography” also led to a production being given an 18+ rating.

These changes in public attitudes will be reflected in the classification guidelines.

The study found that young people are particularly concerned when they see fictional scenarios that could potentially happen to them, with a surprising 95% of teenagers calling for stricter classification, according to the BBFC.

The BBFC also said its research had shown that audiences were more tolerant of violent content than other potentially disturbing material.

Mr Austin added: “We listen to what people want and that’s why they trust our age ratings, so it’s encouraging to know that we’re rating content according to people’s wants and expectations when it comes to difficult topics around believable real-life scenarios.

“We also know that people can cope with themes like action violence when it is presented in a way they expect – such as in a Bond or Bourne film.”

The BBFC is a non-profit organisation founded in 1912 as the British Board of Film Censors. Its new guidelines will be published on February 28.

Reporting by PA

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