New BBFC Youth Panel builds on the organisation’s existing youth work to ensure classification policy reflects young people’s views and opinions
Successful applicants will be able to develop life skills, make connections and gain valuable experience for university or job applications
16 - 19 year olds from all backgrounds and areas of the UK encouraged to apply
The BBFC is launching a Youth Panel, for 16-19 year olds, to build on the organisation's existing youth work, and give the next generation an opportunity to influence classification policy as well as a chance to build vital life skills.
The BBFC Youth Panel will capture the youth voice and ensure that the organisation continues to meet the needs of young people, and classification policy captures their views. The group will also provide feedback on classification issues and decisions, and be consulted on other educational and outreach work.
Sarah Peacock, Compliance and Education Manager at the BBFC, said: “Over the last year we’ve all spent more time in the digital world than ever before. Choosing content well, and staying safe online, are vital skills to develop as a teen or young person. That’s one of the reasons why we’re launching our brand new Youth Panel this year - to ensure that we continue to reflect the opinions of the younger generation in our everyday work.”
“We know that teens and young people have been particularly hit hard by the pandemic. The world has shrunk for so many, and there are now fewer educational and extracurricular opportunities available. We now find ourselves in another lockdown, with homeschooling the norm once again. We want our Youth Panel to give members - who have missed out on so much over the last year - a chance to develop skills, make connections, have their voice heard, and influence policy.”
Successful applicants will be given the chance to: shadow a Compliance Officer and see behind the scenes of the BBFC; influence education resources and outreach work; input into research and help shape the future of classification policy; guide and shape social media campaigns, including creating content for the official BBFC channels; develop practical work experience skills, including communication, presentation, teamwork and self-management skills; and network with different teams across the BBFC and gain a deeper understanding of the role of regulation and content classification.
Sarah added: “You don’t need to be a film or media studies student to apply. We’re looking for young people - of all backgrounds and from anywhere in the UK - with opinions, who want to have their voices heard. If you have a passion for digital culture, and want to gain valuable skills for university or job applications, we want to hear from you.”
The BBFC Youth Panel will meet termly, with initial sessions held online. Sessions will be structured, and successful applicants will also be expected to complete short tasks between sessions, which might include filming a short video or filling in a survey. Panelists will be asked to initially commit to a year, but have the option to take part for up to two years.
Find out more about the BBFC’s Youth Panel. Application deadline is Sunday 21 February 2021.
