BBFC Launches Ratings Site For Parents October 2, 2007
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We all know kids play games and watch movies they shouldn’t because every now and then something terrible happens and violent movies/games are wheeled out for a good old thrashing.
Parents are often the problem, by not monitoring what their kids are playing or watching. The BBFC is hoping to educate ignorant parents about just what movies and games Little Johnny is experiencing in his bedroom by launching a new ratings site to help them out.
Maybe the recent Manhunt 2 debacle has helped speed this launch. There’s no doubt that parents need some help on this front so I’m all for it. David Cooke, Director of the BBFC said:
“By providing parents with more information about the content of films and video games they will be in a better position to make informed choices about what their children watch and play. This is particularly relevant in the area of video games, where not all parents are as technology literate as their children. We have included all games, including‘18’ rated games, on the site because we know that parents come under a lot of pressure to buy the latest big selling title. So now when they are told by their offspring that‘it’s only a game’, particularly if it’s rated‘18’, they can look at the new website and see what the game contains and why it got the rating it did.”
Sadly, I still don’t think it’ll make a blind bit of difference to all the parents out there who don’t really care what their kids get up to. For everyone else though, visit and learn. Can a site like this make a difference?- Martin Lynch
Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
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Comments
Parents don't need this site. If it says 15 on it, don't let anyone under 15 play / watch it. If it says 18 on it, don't let anyone under 18 play / watch it. I am tired of things being censored in case some irresponsible parent lets their 9 year watch a bloodbath and then blame everyone but themselves when their kid goes and gets a gun and starts shooting people. Give the parents custodial sentences and take their kids from them, they don't deserve them.
I used to work in a well known Retail branch and I used to get kids come up to me trying to by "GTA San Andreas", and I would flatley refuse, pointing out that the game is a certificate 18, and that their parents would need to buy it for them.
After which they would walk off and a 'frustrated' parent who was flustered because they had to 'wait in the queue' again would come up and pay for the game. No questions asked, no reason why's they don't care.
They are more concerned that their child is making them spend £20 on a game than what the game contains.
The point is, if they can't be bothered waiting in the queue to buy it, why would they make the effort to go 'online' to check the contents. Especially how the article says "not all parents are as technology literate as their children".
Make the certifications bigger and more specific. Someone has played the game, to put an 18 certificate on it, why not just print the description on the back of the game itself.
For me, certificates are nothing more than a 'guarantee' of moneys worth. So I'm sure its the same for these kids. When I see an action movie with an 18 cert it guarantees some gore and thus, stands a better chance of luring me to the cinema. Same for Games.
Having worked in a video shop for many years, many parents don't care.
If I pointed out to them that the game they were renting for their kids was obviously unsuitable, they didn't care.
I think a lot of parents believe that as it's only a game, then it can't be as bad as a film.
They obviously never actually watch what their kids are playing or, again, don't care.
I still think it's a good idea - there are those parents that do care and do look out for these types of things, but do not have a lot of time on their hands. If a kid asks for a game, while at home, they can simply take a few minutes to check online and see what it contains, as opposed to argue with the kids in the shop.
Yeah, there are parents who care, but for games the BBFC only certify a few games and these are usually 15+ certificated. Most parents that care would say no to any high certificate game.
All other games don't go through the BBFC so (i assume) won't be on the website.