“It’s just common sense, isn’t it?” 📱
According to their parents, children aged 12-17 in the UK spend an average of 17 hrs 35 mins online every week.
We went out onto the streets and into schools to hear first-hand how both generations are navigating the realities of social media.
What we found was a shared concern: new research by the BBFC reveals that the mental health impact of harmful or inappropriate online content has become parents’ number one worry - outranking physical health and nutrition (55% vs 27%)*.
We believe that our trusted Classification Guidelines parents already know shouldn’t stop at the cinema door.
That’s why we’ve partnered with a coalition of leading organisations to urge the Government to introduce reliable, real-world guardrails across social platforms.
When it comes to protecting young people, consistent standards informed by the UK public are simply common sense.
Read the full story and our open letter: www.bbfc.co.uk/press-releases/parents-twice-as-concerned-about-childrens-online-safety-than-their-physical-health
*OnePoll research on behalf of the BBFC, surveying 2,000 parents of 12-17 year olds.
British Board of Film Classification
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The BBFC is independent and not-for-profit. We’re here to help everyone in the UK choose age-appropriate films, videos and websites.
26/05/2026
UK parents are now twice as concerned about the mental health impact of harmful online content than their child's physical health and nutrition. 📱
New BBFC research shows that online safety is now the number one concern for parents of 12-17 year olds, outranking bullying, making friends, and academic performance*.
With teenagers spending an average of 17 hours and 35 minutes a week online - and 1 in 20 exceeding a full working week at 40 hours - exposure to age-inappropriate content is a persistent risk.
More than a third of parents report that their child has already encountered upsetting material on social media, from violence to hate speech.
The public verdict is clear. 92% of parents want online standards to be shaped by UK audience consultations, and 86% back a formal partnership between the BBFC and social media platforms to implement trusted cinema classification standards.
We have joined forces with the , and a coalition of public interest organisations to write to the Government, urging the Government to take swift action.
🔗 Read the full story and our open letter: www.bbfc.co.uk/press-releases/parents-twice-as-concerned-about-childrens-online-safety-than-their-physical-health
*OnePoll research on behalf of the BBFC, surveying 2,000 UK parents of 12-17 year olds.
“Identify your own taste.” ✍🎬
We invited film critic to sit down with our newly expanded BBFC Youth Panel to talk all things cinema, career paths and what it’s really like to interview the world’s biggest stars.
From his best advice for breaking into the industry to his surprising run-ins with Marvel stars, Ali shared why it’s okay to be “terrible” before you’re great - and why your unique perspective on film is your biggest asset.
Huge thanks to Ali for inspiring our panel as they begin their journey helping us shape the future of film classification ✨
08/05/2026
There’s still time to enter our Toy Story 5 Create the Card Competition🚀
Can you guess which characters the black cards could be inspired by?👀
Swipe for ideas ➡ then make it your own.
Deadline: 9 May. Link in bio. T&Cs apply.
A big day for young voices 🎬✨
We’ve officially launched our biggest-ever Youth Panel - now 44 members strong and spanning ages 7 to 21.
Bringing together young people from across all four nations of the UK, our new Kids, Teens and Young Adults panels are helping shape the future of film classification -sharing their views, reviewing films, and influencing the decisions that guide millions of viewers.
From screenings to big discussions, the launch at Curzon Bloomsbury was just the beginning.
Because everyone deserves a say in what we watch. 🎥💬
ONE WEEK TO GO! 🚀✨
Joan Cusack (the voice of Jessie 🤠), Greta Lee (Lilypad 🐸) and Pete Docter (Pixar CCO 🎨) are giving one final yodel to all Toy Story fans!
Calling all young artists aged 4 to 11 to design the official BBFC Black Card for Walt Disney Studios Toy Story 5.
Reach for the sky because the winning artwork will be shown ahead of every cinema screening of the film in the UK.🪀✨
⏳ Ready to complete the mission? Submit your awesome art now! The competition closes at 23:59 on Saturday 9 May.
🔗 Find out more on our website - T&Cs apply. Head to the link in our bio.
✉️ Submissions can be emailed to [email protected] or sent by post to the BBFC’s London office.
28/04/2026
Every generation has its Toy Story. 🧸🤠🤖
From its groundbreaking animation debut in 1995 to a new chapter arriving in 2026, the series has shaped how audiences experience animated storytelling.
Which Toy Story film resonates with you most? Let us know below. 👇
Our latest Create the Card Competition for Toy Story 5 is open until 23:59 Saturday 9 May. 🎨
Submit your artwork for a chance to see it shown on the big screen before every UK cinema screening of the film.
🔗 Find out more via bbfc.co.uk/createthecard. T&Cs apply.
27/04/2026
BBFC Youth Panel update 📣
We are delighted to introduce the new BBFC Youth Panel members.
Our expanded Youth Panel is now made up of three streams: BBFC Kids, BBFC Teens, and BBFC Young Adults.
These brilliant young people will spend the next two years with us to bring fresh perspectives and insight.
We can't wait to work alongside this talented group as they help shape the future of age ratings and media literacy. Welcome to the team!
Hundreds of incredible applications, but only a few could make the cut! 🎬
A tough day of decision making for BBFC President and Education Manager, Liam who have been blown away by the incredible response to join the new BBFC Youth Panel- the competition was extremely fierce! 🤯
Get ready to meet the new faces who will be joining , and very soon... 👀
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