Some risks involve exposure to harmful images and messages online. Young people might find these things by accident, or by actively looking for them.
Harmful content includes:
- sexual images
- hate messages towards specific religions or social groups
- violent images
- forums that support suicide, eating disorders and self-harm.
You can use Parental controls to block this content. Find out how to do this at www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls.
Some young people may actively search for this content. You will need to monitor them closely as they might try to bypass your parental controls.
Social networking sites typically have an age rating of 13+ years. This includes TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat. The content of these sites might not be suitable for children under this age. Users can post content freely, and the site will then remove anything which it considers harmful. The sites rely on users flagging up harmful content.
Age classification: films, games and online content
To protect children from unsuitable or harmful content in films, DVDs and computer games, the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) rates the content so that consumers can see if it is suitable for children of different ages. Shops must not sell products to children who are younger than the age stated, and cinemas must not admit children to view a film if they are underage.
BBFC ratings for film, DVD and online content
U (Universal, suitable for all ages)
PG (Parental Guidance – general viewing). Might be unsuitable for very young children, but should not unsettle a child aged 8 years or older
12A/12 (suitable for children aged 12 years and older). 12A is used for cinema release and 12 for DVD. A child aged under 12 years will be admitted to a cinema showing of the film if they are accompanied by an adult
15 (suitable for 15 years and older)
18 (suitable for 18 years and older)
PEGI game ratings
PEGI (Pan European Game Information) provides a similar service in relation to video games. Shops must not sell games to children who are underage.
3 (considered suitable for all ages)
7 (generally suitable for all, but might contain fighting scenes)
12 (games that involve slightly graphic violence towards fantasy characters, or non-graphic violence towards human-looking characters/recognisable animals. Might involve some non-graphic nudity and mild swearing
16 (depiction of violence or sexual activity is realistic, more extreme bad language, depiction of drugs criminal activity)
18 (depiction of gross violence that could cause a viewer to feel revulsion)
Using the classification system in your home
- Do not purchase DVDs or games for children if they are underage, and do not permit them to watch films or play games that are not considered suitable for their age at other locations (e.g. school, friends’ houses).
- A parent can decide whether a PG-rated film, or a 12A cinema release is suitable for their child, and you might be able to make these decisions under delegated authority. If it is not clear in the placement plan that you have been given delegated authority to make this decision, check with the child’s social worker.
- Parental control software allows you to restrict online content in line with BBFC guidelines. Discuss this with the child’s social worker and agree appropriate restrictions. These restrictions should be noted within the young person’s risk assessment and safer care plan.
Read more about PEGI’s game ratings at CEOP Education.