Age ratings: How do you know if it's ok to watch something online?

Do you think there should be age ratings on more of the content you watch online?

Every film you see at the cinema has a rating and so do DVDs and Blu-rays you can buy in shops.

But they're not always used online.

The BBFC, the organisation which decides these ratings, has found that young people and parents want to see more guidance especially on what is age-appropriate on the internet.

In a public consultation it found that 95% of teenagers said they want to see the same age ratings that they recognise from the cinema and DVDs, on content they access through streaming services.

And the BBFC agrees.

This would mean that kids and adults would know they can expect the same thing from a film seen in the cinema and an online video with the same classification.

What is given age ratings at the moment?

All films and trailers shown in cinemas get an age rating.

It's the same for DVDs and Blu-rays you can buy in shops to watch at home.

Online it's a bit different, as films and music videos on the internet don't need to be age rated by law.

Some online video platforms, including Netflix, Amazon and Google Play, use BBFC age ratings though.

Certain music videos online are also given an age certificate.

Who decides what age a film should be?

Age ratings or classifications are decided by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

It's an independent organisation which is funded by fees people pay when they submit their video for a rating.

So yep that means people who work there get paid to watch movies!

Their compliance officers take notes whilst they're watching and then decide what age they think it's suitable for.

The officers watch around six hours of films, DVDs and Blu-rays every day.

The BBFC classifies hundreds of films each year!

Why do films need ratings?

It can be really annoying if there's a film you want to see but you're too young.

There are really good reasons why those age ratings exist though.

It is against the law for DVDs and Blu-rays to not have age ratings. There is also a law which means cinemas need to show rated films.

The aim is to make sure movies and videos are suitable for the people who watch them.

If there are any potential issues around violence, sex and language, which would mean it isn't appropriate for young people, it is very unlikely to be given a U or PG rating.

Similarly, if a film is really scary or gory it might be upsetting for younger children.

What do you think?

Do you think videos online should have the same age ratings as the films you see in the cinema?

Let us know what you think in the comments below.