Stricter 12A or 12 film rating guidelines are to be introduced due to concerns over the level of sex or nudity in some films.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) also said that swear words with sexual or misogynistic connotations may require a higher rating.
However, the organization said it would take a “less restrictive” approach to describing cannabis use in future, while maintaining its current standards for other drugs.
Research carried out by the BBFC found that people were concerned about the “level of sexual detail, nudity and duration of sex scenes” in films rated 12A/12 in 2019.
Organization – Responsible for classifying film releases, hard copy versions of movies and television shows, and television programs Netflix UK – Said it would take a more “cautious” approach going forward.
The BBFC said “similar content is now more likely to be rated 15”.
“However, the research also shows that audiences are happy for classifications to be more tolerant of some sexual references across the 15/18 border, particularly in comedy contexts.”
change of public opinion
The BBFC said its new classification guidelines reflected shifts in public opinion around violence, drug use, sex and language use.
It follows a public consultation involving 12,000 people across the UK.
Sexual violence remains an area of greatest concern to UK audiences, last studied in 2019.
The research also found that people were more concerned about depictions of on-screen violence in content for all ages, with viewers expressing discomfort with distressing or disturbing forms of violence depicted in some scenes.
The BBFC said: “Going forward, violence in all age rating categories may require a higher rating, particularly where particularly intense or impactful scenes occur.”
The organization should “continue to highlight suicide and self-harm in its content advice” as research shows viewers want to be warned about such content.
Research also shows that audiences are more accepting of cannabis abuse “as long as it’s not detailed, glamorized or frequent.”
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“Society has changed”
BBFC chairman Natasha Kaplinsky said: “At the BBFC we are committed to ensuring that what we do is relevant to the changing world around us.
“Society has changed since we last asked people across the country what they thought of our standards, and the range of opinions has come with it – it’s fascinating how the wealth of new research reflects this.
“This is the first classification guidance update I have overseen as president.
“Not only am I proud and excited to publish these findings, but as someone who has always looked to the BBFC for guidance, my family and I have witnessed first-hand the dedication and insight that goes into this process which has been nothing short of amazing. The openness and Inspiring.”
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