Savannah Feeley

Age regulations in music videos

The BBFC complete all the ratings for music videos, they decide what age rating specific
music videos should get. It is vital that the ratings are done correctly because if the
ratings are incorrect and offensive or incorporate for children to watch the parents and
guardians would be upset and may stop their children from watching offensive music
videos as they wouldn't trust the ratings.
The age ratings are listed below;
The U stands for universal which means that is suitable for children the
age of 4 and above, children can also what the music video without
parental supervision. Music videos with the age rating of a U can use
occasional use of very mild language for example the music video would
really focus on sexual behaviour/ activity, they can show some kissing and
hugging and the violent context is really minimal however not all music
videos that are rated a U are aimed at children. An example of a music
video thats aimed at all audiences is by Pharell Williams and the music
video is Happy, the reason to why this song is rated a U is because its all
about people being happy and dancing together. As well as the dancing in
the video theres also usage of a minion thats from a childrens film and it
a cartoon character from a film from Despicable me and in relation to
this the film is also age rated a U so its targeted at children.
PG stands for parental guidance, so if the child is over the age of 8 years
they can watch the music video with their parents consent. When the
parent is giving consent for their child watching the music video they
should always think whether the content of the video is going to be
unsettling and distressing for the child. However PGs can explore
stereotypicle issues such as racism and bullying this is so it will make
children aware of what challenging issues there is around them, and how
to confront these in real life. Despite this there can be mild language in a
PG music video such as shit and bitch, although this language cant be
used in a aggressive way, or directed at people in a offensive way. A
example of a PG rated music video is Uptown funk by Bruno Mars and
Mark Ronsons, this is rated a PG music video because it has some mild
language such as bitch in it as throughout the song it references people
going out and getting drunk.
A 12 rated music video means the content is mainly desired for people
aged 12 years and above as itll be inappropriate for anyone younger than
12. Certain language can be used in a 12 rated video and it depends in
how the language has been used for example the word fuck can be used
although it cant be used to offend anyone. A example of a 12 rated video
is Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus and this is because there's a short scene
of Miley Cyrus swinging naked on a crane ball at 1.15 seconds in the
video.
A example of a 15 rated music video is Open Wide by Calvin Harris the
reason to why its rated a 15 is because there's a lot of bloody violence in
the video. The 15 music video rating is for people aged 15 and over and is
normally aimed at a matured teenagers/ young adults. The 15 rated music
videos regularly include; strong violence but it cant really dwell on the pain
or Injury, drug abuse but it cant be promoting the dugs, strong language
and nudity in sexual content but it must be restricted just a little. However
in a 15 rated video it cant show discrimination. Despite this there's a big

Savannah Feeley
difference between a 12 and a 15 rated music video because people think
that teenager's at this age know the difference between right and wrong
and this means 15 rated videos can use stronger language. To view a 15
rated music video on websites like Vivo and Youtube youve got to have a
account with your date of birth in the details form when you apply for a
account on the website and this shows if your old enough to watch
different rated music videos.
A example of a 18 rated music video is Couple Of Snacks by Dizzie Rascal
this is because it has scenes of Dizzie going round ruthlessly killing people
with a knife and this is showing bloody violence that isnt suitable for
anyone under age of 18. On the contrary 18 age rated music videos means
that no one under the age of 18 is authorized to watch the music video.
the content that is permitted in an 18 rated video is very similar to a 15
but the difference that a 18 has is that instead of it being a brief scene of
strong language and violence, it can include strong horror, blood and gore.
In a 18 rated music video nothing is really constrained on what they can
show as over 18s are mature and young adults who know what's going on
in the video, as well as this just like 15 rated videos you still have to fill in
your DOB details on websites like Vivo and Youtube to be permitted to
watch 18 rated music videos.