BBFC Warns Over Unrestricted Internet Access

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is warning parents to keep an eye on their children's viewing habits over the summer, as it says many are "disturbed" by content viewed via illegal streaming and downloading.
Half of all UK kids spend an hour each day watching films via smartphones and tablets over the summer, according to the BBFC.
Holby City actress and mum of three, Tina Hobley has got on board with the BBFC's campaign, following the release of the new research.
It showed one in five young film fans (18%) admit they have been disturbed by the movies they have watched on pirate websites and two thirds (65%) wish they had checked the film's official age rating first.
Almost half of children and teens (42%) admit to being aware of rules in place at home designed to restrict internet access.
The research, commissioned by The Industry Trust for IP Awareness in partnership with the BBFC, shows a quarter (25%) download or stream movies from unofficial sources, which offer no guidance on age ratings.
The online study asked 1,000 UK 11-15-year-olds about their online viewing habits:
• A third (37%) of younger children aged 11-12 admit to having recently downloaded or streamed a film rated 15 from a pirate website
• One in five 11-15 year olds (21%) say they use pirate websites to keep up with what their friends and older siblings are watching
• More than a quarter of 11-15 year olds (27%) say their parents don't know what films they are watching online, and a third (32%) wouldn't feel comfortable with younger siblings copying their viewing habits
Tina Hobley, said: "This research shows peer pressure is tempting kids to visit illegal websites for their film fixes even though they know these websites are off limits, and many are clearly upset by the content they stumble upon.
"Portable smartphones and tablet devices mean children and teens will often be watching films away from the safety of the front room this summer, which is why I'm urging parents to know how to access film and TV content online safely and legally, and check out the tools and help that are available."
Responding to the research, Lucy Brett, Head of Education for the BBFC, said: "There is a wealth of free digital tools and advice available for parents and children to take advantage of so they feel confident about their family accessing films safely and legally online. FindAnyFilm.com, the easy-to-use gateway to legitimate film, now carries BBFC age ratings and BBFCinsight, so families know what they are accessing is not only from above board and safe sources, but that they have at their fingertips information which allows parents to make informed decisions about the right film choices for them and their families.
"BBFCinsight highlights the main issues found in a film then expands on this, giving examples of the sorts of things you will see or hear, which may include violence, bad language and sex references. Parents can use FindAnyFilm.com or the BBFC website and free BBFC App for smartphones for information about a film before they download or stream them. Having this information available all in one place and talking to your children about how films are rated can help them stay safe and legal online this summer."
Liz Bales, Director General of the Industry Trust for IP Awareness, added:
"Public concern around what children are watching online has never been higher, making age-appropriate guidance even more critical. The film and TV industry believes education has a role to play. We provide tools to educate families around legitimate and age-appropriate source of film and enable parents and guardians to talk to their children to help them navigate the online landscape safely and legally."
www.bbfc.co.uk
(IT/JP)