BBFC Proposes Stricter Age Ratings for Sex and Nudity in Films for Under-15s
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has updated its guidelines, indicating that sex scenes previously deemed acceptable for films rated 12 or 12A are now more likely to receive a 15 rating. This change reflects a growing concern among viewers about the level of sexual content accessible to viewers under the age of 15.
In its first major audience research in five years, the BBFC surveyed 12,000 people to gauge evolving attitudes towards sex, violence, drug use, and language in films. The findings suggest that audiences now prefer a more cautious approach to borderline sex scenes between the 12/12A and 15 ratings.
Under the current guidelines, films rated 12 or 12A may include brief and discreet portrayals of sexual activity, while nudity in a sexual context must be similarly brief and discreet. In contrast, 15-rated films can depict sexual activity with less detail, and sexual nudity may be allowed but with brief or comic presentation.
The research also revealed a willingness among audiences for leniency towards certain sex references, particularly in comic contexts, at the border between 15 and 18 ratings.
The BBFC noted that concerns about sexual violence remain paramount for UK audiences, with depictions of suicide and self-harm rising to become the second biggest area of concern since 2019. Respondents expressed a desire for warnings about such content, prompting the BBFC to continue highlighting suicide and self-harm in its advice.
Additionally, the research indicated a heightened concern about depictions of violence, suggesting that future ratings may need to be adjusted accordingly. Regarding drug use, audiences have become more accepting of depictions of cannabis and solvent misuse, leading the BBFC to adopt a less restrictive approach to such content.
However, concerns about the normalization of explicit language, especially terms with sexual or misogynistic connotations, have prompted consideration for higher age ratings. BBFC President Natasha Kaplinsky emphasized the organization’s commitment to adapting its standards to align with societal changes, acknowledging the evolving landscape of viewer preferences and sensitivities.
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