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.
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.
The BBFC have launched a brand new website, which puts information about age ratings and ratings info at parents’ fingertips.
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.
Today, the BBFC has launched a brand new website, which gives parents information about age ratings and ratings info at their fingertips. The fresh, intuitive layout means that parents will be able to quickly access vital information about what category defining issues films and TV shows on streaming services contain - making it easy to check what content contains, and help parents navigate those tricky topics.
The BBFC is also relaunching their website specifically aimed at children and educators, CBBFC.
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For more information please get in touch with Brittany Taylor-Kirk or Megan Sutherland on 07946 423719 or press@bbfc.co.uk
Notes to editors:
About the BBFC:
The BBFC is independent and not-for-profit, and here to help everyone in the UK – especially children and families - choose age-appropriate films, videos and websites, wherever and however they watch or use them. Now, as well as classifying films released in UK cinemas and on DVD and Blu-ray, it’s providing age-ratings for Video On Demand and music videos online, and helping mobile phone operators set parental controls at the right level.
About the research:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 663 children. Fieldwork was undertaken between 6th - 11th March 2020. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB children (aged 6-15).
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 4,350 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 6th - 10th March 2020. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
