Welcome to the new and improved NHS Healthier Together website - now even easier to use, with clear advice and guidance to support you.

Welcome! Have you ever seen those little symbols on games, films, or apps and wondered what they mean? Those are age ratings, and they're there to give you important information about the content you're about to see or play. Think of them as helpful guides to help you choose stuff that's right for your age.

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Age Ratings in Games: PEGI

In the UK, video games use the PEGI (Pan European Game Information) system. You'll see a PEGI age rating number and often some small pictures called 'content descriptors' that tell you why it got that rating.

Here are the main PEGI age ratings:

  • PEGI 3: Suitable for all age groups. Content should not contain any inappropriate material.
  • PEGI 7: Suitable for young children. Games might contain non-realistic violence (like कार्टून violence) or scenes that younger children might find slightly scary.
  • PEGI 12: Suitable for those aged 12 and over. Games might show violence in a fantasy setting or non-realistic violence towards human-like characters. There might be mild bad language or sexual innuendo.
  • PEGI 16: Suitable for those aged 16 and over. Games at this level might show realistic violence, more extreme bad language, or include depictions of gambling, drugs, or sexual activity.
  • PEGI 18: Only suitable for adults aged 18 and over. This rating is for games with extreme violence, depictions of illegal drug use, and/or explicit sexual content.

Content Descriptors: Look out for these symbols next to the age rating. They show the main reasons for the rating:

  • Violence: Scenes of fighting or injury.
  • Bad Language: Swearing or offensive words.
  • Fear: Content that might be scary or frightening.
  • Sex: Depictions of sexual activity or nudity.
  • Drugs: Shows or refers to illegal drug use.
  • Gambling: Encourages or teaches gambling.
  • Discrimination: Depicts or promotes discrimination.
  • In-Game Purchases: Lets you buy things with real money inside the game.

Did you know? For PEGI ratings 12, 16, and 18 on physical games (like discs or cartridges), it's actually against the law for shops to sell them to anyone younger than that age!

Age Ratings in Media: BBFC

For films, TV shows, and music videos in the UK, the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) provides the age ratings. You'll see these ratings at the cinema, on DVDs and Blu-rays, and often on streaming services.

Here are the main BBFC age ratings:

  • U (Universal): Suitable for all ages. Nothing in the content should be harmful or upsetting.
  • PG (Parental Guidance): Suitable for general viewing, but some scenes might not be suitable for younger children without guidance from a parent or carer. Contains nothing that would cause a child lasting harm, but might include mild violence, infrequent use of mild language, or some scary moments.
  • 12A (Cinema) / 12 (Video/DVD/Streaming): Suitable for people aged 12 and over.
    • 12A (Cinema): Anyone younger than 12 can watch if they are with an adult. The adult should decide if it's suitable for the child.
    • 12 (Video/DVD/Streaming): No one younger than 12 should buy or rent this. Content might include moderate violence, language, or themes that require a bit more maturity.
  • 15: Suitable only for people aged 15 and over. No one younger than 15 can watch this in a cinema or buy/rent it. Content might include stronger violence, language, or mature themes.
  • 18: Suitable only for adults aged 18 and over. No one younger than 18 can watch this in a cinema or buy/rent it. This rating is for adult-only content.
  • R18: This is a restricted rating for very explicit adult content, only available in licensed sex cinemas or shops.

Just like PEGI, the BBFC also provides content advice explaining why a film or show got its rating. This tells you about specific issues like violence, language, sex, horror, or drug references, helping you understand the content in more detail.

When should you worry?

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Advice and Guidance

What Are Age Ratings and How Do They Protect You?

Age ratings are systems used in the UK and other countries to recommend the minimum age for someone to watch a film, play a game, or use certain apps. They aren't about how difficult a game is or whether you'll enjoy a movie; they're about the content inside.

Their main job is to help protect young people like you from seeing or interacting with things that might be upsetting, scary, or unsuitable for your age. This could include things like strong violence, scary scenes, bad language, or content related to drugs or discrimination.

By checking age ratings, you can:

  • Make informed choices: Decide for yourself if the content seems okay for you based on what the rating and descriptions say.
  • Avoid upsetting content: Steer clear of games, films, or videos that might contain things you're not ready for or that could worry you.
  • Understand potential themes: Get a heads-up about potentially mature themes or topics the content might explore.

Remember, age ratings are guidelines to help you and your parents or carers decide what's appropriate. They help you understand what to expect, so you can have a safer and more enjoyable experience with games and media.

Why Should You Pay Attention to Ratings?

Age ratings are a tool for you! They empower you to understand what you're about to watch or play and decide if it feels right for you. It's a good idea to:

  • Check the rating before you watch a movie or start a new game.
  • Read the content descriptions to understand why it got that rating.
  • Talk to a parent or trusted adult if you're unsure about a rating or something you've seen.

Using age ratings helps you navigate the huge amount of content out there and find things you'll enjoy safely.

Resources and Places to Get Advice in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, and Dorset

If you have questions about age ratings, something you've seen online or in a game, or anything else that's worrying you, there are people who can help. Here are some resources in your area and some national ones that offer support:

Local Resources (Hampshire, Isle of Wight, and Dorset):

  • Hampshire Youth Access (HYA): Provides counselling, information, advice, and support for young people aged 5-17 across Hampshire. They can also advise adults concerned about a young person's emotional wellbeing.
    • Phone: 02382 147 755 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
    • Email: enquiries@hampshireyouthaccess.org.uk
  • No Limits (Southampton & Hampshire): A charity offering free and confidential information, advice, counselling, advocacy, and support to children and young people 1 under 26 in Southampton and Hampshire.  
  • 1. Find a service - Hampshire - Parents - Health for Kids
  • www.healthforkids.co.uk
    • Website: nolimitshelp.org.uk
  • Healthier Together (Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight): While focused on physical health, their website (developed with parents and professionals) has resources that might be helpful, including signposting to other services.
    • Website: www.what0-18.nhs.uk (Look for resources related to mental health or wellbeing which often link to support services)
  • Hampshire Children's Services: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, you should always call 999. For welfare or safeguarding concerns about a child in Hampshire, you can contact Children's Services.
    • Phone: 0300 555 1384 (Mon-Thurs 8.30am-5pm, Fri 8.30am-4.30pm)
    • Out of hours: 0300 555 1373
  • Isle of Wight Children's Services: For welfare or safeguarding concerns about a child on the Isle of Wight.
    • Phone: 01983 823435 (Public) or 01983 823436 (Professional) (Mon-Thurs 8.30am-5pm, Fri 8.30am-4.30pm)
    • Out of hours: 0300 555 1373
  • BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole) and Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnerships: Their websites provide information on online safety and links to local services.
    • Website: pdscp.co.uk (Look for sections on Online Safety or Resources)

National Resources (operating across the UK, including your area):

  • Childline: Free, private, and confidential service where you can talk about anything. Available 24/7.
    • Phone: 0800 1111
    • Website: www.childline.org.uk (Offers online chat too)
  • The Mix: Provides free support for young people under 25, about anything from mental health to money, relationships, and online safety.
    • Phone: 0808 808 4994 (7 days a week, 4pm-11pm)
    • Text: THEMIX to 85258 (Crisis Messenger, 24/7)
    • Website: www.themix.org.uk (Offers web chat and email support)
  • YoungMinds: Leading the fight for young people's mental health. Offers help and advice if you're struggling.
    • Text: YM to 85258 (Crisis Messenger, 24/7, for young people only)
    • Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
  • NSPCC: Offers advice and support on a range of child safety issues, including online safety.
    • Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (24/7)
    • Website: www.nspcc.org.uk (Includes lots of online safety resources)
  • Thinkuknow: The National Crime Agency's online safety education site. Has lots of information and advice for young people about staying safe online and what to do if something goes wrong.
    • Website: www.thinkuknow.co.uk
  • UK Safer Internet Centre: Provides online safety tips, advice, and resources.
    • Website: www.saferinternet.org.uk

Remember, it's okay to ask for help if you need it. Understanding age ratings is a great step towards staying safe and having positive experiences with digital media!

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