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Written question asked by Mark Pritchard (Conservative) on Monday, 27 January 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 January 2025. It was answered by Chris Bryant (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 February 2025 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Film and Video Games: Classification Schemes

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will discuss with the British Board of Film Classification the classification of (a) films and (b) video games; and if she will take steps to reduce the sexualisation of children through those media.

Answer

The classification system has addressed these issues under successive governments, but decisions regarding the classification of films are made by the BBFC and the Games Rating Authority, not the BBFC, is responsible for the classification of video games. The BBFC’s decisions are made independently of the government, which is important to ensure impartiality. The BBFC’s age ratings serve to protect the public and empower people to make informed viewing choices, whilst also recognising and respecting adult freedom of choice within the law.

The standards underpinning the BBFC’s ratings are set out in their published Classification Guidelines, and are based on consultations every 4-5 years with experts and thousands of members of the public.

If the BBFC finds that a film raises issues or concerns that cannot be addressed through their classification system, they may require compulsory cuts or other changes as a condition of classification.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26458
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Children British Board of Film Classification Film Video games Classification schemes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk