NEW RESEARCH REVEALS KIDS’ SUMMER OF ILLEGAL DOWNLOADS

Holby City actress and mum of three, Tina Hobley is urging parents to keep an eye on what their kids are watching online this summer, as new research released today reveals children and teens across the country are downloading or streaming films from illegal pirate websites, with many disturbed by what they are viewing.

One in five young film fans (18%) admit they have been disturbed by the movies they have watched on pirate websites and two thirds (65%) wish they had checked the film’s official age rating first.

While almost half of children and teens (42%) admit to being aware of rules in place at home designed to restrict what they can and can’t look at on the internet, the research commissioned by The Industry Trust for IP Awareness, in partnership with the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), shows a quarter (25%) download or stream movies from unofficial sources, which offer no guidance on age ratings.

With nearly half (45%) of 11-15 year olds spending up to an hour each day watching movies-on-the-move via smartphones and tablets during the summer holidays, parents are being encouraged to take advantage of free tools and advice to help them take control of what their children are watching and to visit FindAnyFilm.com to find films safely and legally online.

Top tips for parents

1. Find official films safely and legally. Start by visiting www.FindAnyFilm.com – a one stop-shop where you can find all films, all above board, and all with BBFC age ratings and BBFCinsight to help you make informed decisions for you and your family.
2. Get to grips with all the BBFC age ratings. You can find a guide to age ratings at http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification. You know your family and your children best –children develop at different speeds and react differently to things they watch. It’s worth bearing in mind that a PG is suitable for children aged around eight or older and when the BBFC rate a film 12 or 12A this means it is suitable for 12 year olds, but a parent can decide if a 12A is suitable for a younger child.
3. Explore how to use parental controls.  Check the settings on the tablets and smartphones that your kids are using – you can set up access controls which allow you to decide if you want films with certain ratings to be password protected and block certain websites. If you’re not sure how, contact your Internet Service Provider who will be able to help
4. Start them young! Kids have a great appreciation for films and TV, and the younger they are when they understand why films have to be given age-ratings and why it’s important to access films via legal channels, the safer they will be when it comes to watching films online.
5. Do your research. Remember that some films are rated U or PG because they contain no material that is unsuitable at that category, but they might not necessarily be a children’s film. The film GONE WITH THE WIND (PG) is a good example. This classic Hollywood film is rated PG but it isn’t just for children.