Film classification research

How are films classified?
Films are usually watched by a team of 2 who then measure it on language, sexual content and violence. From here they reach the age rating by applying the standards and criteria contained in the classification guidelines.

Why are they classified?
Films are classified in order to protect children from unsuitable and harmful content in films and videos and to give consumers information they may need about a particular film or video before deciding whether or not to view it.

By whom?
Usually by a team of 2 whom write their review and compare to come to an agreement, if no agreement is made, decision is given to a senior examiner.

Film classification is a crucial part of film distribution. Why?


How effective is film classification?
Even though films are classified, most children are still able to access the films through other ways other than the cinema, e.g. LoveFilms, DVD, internet. Although the films have the classifications, they do not stop people under the age watching them.

Have you watched films classified as 18 when you were below this age?
Yes, through easy access of a DVD.

Does film classification work for home viewing? E.g. LoveFilm, Netflix, DVD, downloads.
Film classification does not work for home viewing, this is because anyone is able to get access to any film without parental consent.

Can parents and guardians be trusted to monitor what children are viewing?
The only control parents may have is by putting a pin on the TV so children are unable to watch films with a high age rating, on things such as LoveFilm and Netflix, they are also able to view what their child may have last watched.

Should they have this responsibility? How effectively can they monitor their children's viewing?
I think parents should have this responsibility because the film classifications are there for a reason meaning that parents should have the responsibility in preventing their children from viewing the violence and sexual content the films may have been rated because of.

What do you think the balance between state intervention and individual responsibility should be?
Although the state intervention is important, i do not think they have a high responsibility. Individual responsibility should be the higher percentage on what they allow their children to watch and preventing them, if they are underage of the film classification, from viewing the things they should not. The film classification was put there to prevent children underage from viewing it, meaning that the individual had the higher responsibility on controlling whether they do view it or not.