FILM CLASSIFICATION RESEARCH

How are films classified?
Films are classified by companies such as British Board of Film Classification. The films that are awaiting to be released are usually classified by two examiners using public guidelines. 

Why are they classified?
Films are classified to see whether they are suitable and will be watched by the target audience. By looking things like discrimination, drugs, horror, language, sex, sexual violence. They will also look at how the film is will make the audience feel. 

Film classification is a crucial part of film distribution. Why?
It is crucial because it helps consumer make informed choices about the films they see. Also to see whether the film is suitable for a particular age group. 

How effective is films classified classification?
It is very effective in the way that parents are able to decide whether a film is suitable for their child, and also the fact that shops cannot sell the films if the person is under aged.  However people argue that they focus too much on not allowing to show sex that it avoids the violence that may be shown. Also some parents do not actually take interest in the age restriction and buy films and allow their child to watch films which are illegal for them to watch. There are now film sites where you can illegally download films and children/ young teens can easily access the over aged films. This also applies the movie sites, such as Netflix etc.

Have you ever watched films classified 18 when you were below this age?
Yes, only up until recently, now that I am a lot more free and independent. But as when I was a lot younger, my parent would never allow me to. 

Does film classification work for home viewing e.g.DVD, Netflix, LoveFilm, downloads?
No not at all, you have the freedom and no one is there to stop you from watching films unsuitable for you. However on sites such as Netflix and LoveFilm there is available parent control, this would help the age restriction for your child. However I believe that it is unlikely that a parent will go through the troubles in doing this. 

Can parents and guardians be trusted to monitor what children are viewing?
I believe they can be. The parents are their child's parent, it is down to them whether or not they want their child to watch films that are not right for their age. I do believe it is wrong for parents to do this as it is illegal. However I think most parents know their child and know what is suitable and what isn't for their child. 

Should they have this responsibility? How can they effectively monitor their children's viewing?
I think they should definitely have this responsibility. They are still able to use things such as parent control on computers (for online films), and children are not able to buy films which are rated above their age without a parent with them, and even then it is the parents responsibility. 

What do you think the balance between state intervention (film classification) and individual responsibility (no regulation, free choice) should be?
I believe how things are at the moment is the way forward that way there is a restriction on children actually buying films above there age rating, but if the child would like to buy and they have their parents permission then it is up to the parent to make the decision because it is their on child and their responsibility.