Public 'concern' at film portrayal of suicide and self-harm

The portrayal of suicide and self-harm in movies has been highlighted as a 'classification concern' by movie-goers in a new survey by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

The survey, which was comprised of views from over 11,000 people, found that the viewers' concerns over racial hatred and racist swear words, sexual violence and the glamorisation of smoking and the misuse of alcohol and drugs had risen.

The BBFC found that the important issue for movie ratings amongst the public was drugs and drug taking, with three-quarters of those polled rating it as a "very important" issue. Film violence came second, with 65% of those interviewed rating it as "very important", while sexual activity was third, rated by just over half of those questioned (56%).

Over half those questioned thought that the current BBFC guidelines on sex (58%), violence (53%), strong language (51%) and drugs (54%) were 'about right'. The majority of those questioned (90%) thought that the BBFC's role was to protect children from viewing harmful or unsuitable material, while less than 20% disagreed that adults should be allowed to choose, within the law, what they wanted to watch themselves.

The research is the first to be conducted into film classification guidelines since 2000. Commenting on the survey, President of the BBFC, Sir Quentin Thomas, said: "The clear outcome of all of the research was that the guidelines are still, on the whole, in line with public attitudes and concerns. However, drawing on both the public's response and expert advice, we have added, or given greater weight to, a number of key concerns. These include suicide techniques, self-harming and incitement to racial hatred or violence. The protection of children remains at the heart of the guidelines."

The BBFC have also launched a campaign to raise awareness and improve understanding of the '12A' cinema rating.

The rating, which was introduced over two and a half years ago, mean that movies are suitable for children aged 12 and over, although parents can take younger children, if they wish to do so.

However, the BBFC survey found that only 40% of people knew what the new rating actually meant.

The new campaign will feature an explanation before the beginning of 'U' (Universal), 'PG' (Parental Guidance) and '12A' rated films, explaining the meaning of the category.

The BBFC is also discussing plans to increase information about the ratings, particularly around the ticket sales desk.

(KMcA/SP)