Leading online safety campaigners have proposed a ‘formal partnership’ between the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and social media companies to introduce an age classification system for online content similar to that used in film and television.

Drawing on new research from the BBFC indicating that parents are more concerned about the effects of harmful or inappropriate content online on their children than they are about their physical health or nutrition, and that close to a third believe that their child is exposed to content that is not age appropriate each week, the campaigners have written to the Technology Secretary arguing for the introduction of a new regime.

In their letter, the campaigners argue that the BBFC has “unique and unparalleled insight” into what is appropriate for children of various ages, and that its judgment keeps up with societal expectations due to regular consultations with the public. Therefore, they argue, it would be well placed to extend its role beyond TV, film and mobile networks (the BBFC’s classifications inform the Mobile Classification Framework which restricts certain content for children on phones) to include content on social media.

According to the BBFC’s research, parents are broadly supportive of introducing a classification system for social media content that aligns to the BBFC’s standards.  Some 86% support a formal partnership between the BBFC and social media companies, while similar proportions say they would be more comfortable if they knew their children could only access content deemed suitable for their age, just as they would at the cinema.

Commenting on the proposal, the Chief Executive of the BBFC, David Austin OBE, said:

“The BBFC has spent decades consulting with the public to establish what is appropriate for children to see on-screen as they grow up. These trusted frameworks already protect millions every day across UK cinemas, streaming services, and mobile networks. We have the expertise and experience to help, and stand ready to work with social platforms to ensure that the high standards parents expect offline are delivered online”.

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