Sex and nudity in films are subject to stricter age ratings

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By Noor NanjiCulture reporter

Sex scenes that were previously acceptable in films rated 12 or 12A are now more likely to be ranked 15 under the updated guidelines.

People are increasingly concerned about the amount of sex and nudity that viewers under the age of 15 can see, the British Board has said of Film Classification.

< p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10">The BBFC has carried out its first major audience study in five years.

Viewers now want "a more cautious approach" to sex scenes that fall on the border of a 12/12A and a 15, he says.

The BBFC recently surveyed 12,000 people to find out how attitudes have shifted towards sex, violence, drug use and the use of language on screen.

< p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10">A rating of 12 means someone must be over that age to watch the movie, and a rating of 12 means 12A means children under 12 cannot go only if accompanied by an adult.

For films with these ratings, current guidelines state that sexual activity "may be depicted briefly and discreetly. ", while nudity in a sexual context "must be brief and discreet".

In a film rated 15, sexual activity may be shown "but generally without strong detail", while sexual nudity is permitted "but strong details are likely to be brief or presented in a comic context".