Netflix is launching new BBFC age ratings created for streaming platforms

New age rating symbols have been launched for streaming platforms.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) - the organisation that decides the most suitable age someone should be to watch a movie - has come up with them.

The new digital symbols will be first used on Netflix, but the BBFC is hoping that other streaming services will also adopt them.

Research by the BBFC shows 95% of teenagers want the same age ratings they recognise from the cinema and DVDs to apply to the films they watch on streaming services.

Just over half (56%) of teens are concerned about watching content without knowing what it contains - and say they want clear age ratings to guide them. A third of teens (32%) say they see content they'd rather avoid on a weekly basis, leaving them feeling uncomfortable or anxious (46%).

Netflix will begin rolling them out on the platform from Thursday 31 October. The aim is that 100% of its content will carry a BBFC age rating which means series as well as films will be rated.

David Austin, Chief Executive of the BBFC, said: "It's inspiring to see young people determined to make conscious and thoughtful decisions. We want all young people to be empowered and confident in their film and TV choices."

Jack, 12, from Peterborough said: "It's difficult to choose what to watch online as there is so much choice out there.

"I like to think about things before I watch them. Sometimes my friends watch stuff I don't think is appropriate or I might find scary or it just isn't for me. I could definitely make better decisions and avoid uncomfortable situations if age ratings were more clearly signposted."