Over two in five young people say film or TV has negatively impacted mental wellbeing, as 70% felt impact lessened if made aware of content issues in advance

• On World Mental Health Day, BBFC research reveals over two in five young people have watched a film or TV series that has negatively impacted their mental wellbeing 

• 12-21 year olds reported feeling emotionally low, anxious or had trouble sleeping 

• 70% felt negative impact would have been lessened if content issues known in advance 

• Abuse, disturbing images and violence among top issues on-screen young audiences want advance guidance on

• Findings show importance of BBFC age ratings and content advice in helping young people make informed viewing decisions and protecting them from potentially harmful content 

The BBFC can reveal that two in five young people (45%) have watched a film or TV series that negatively affected their mental wellbeing. Of those, almost all (97%) said the content had some impact on them with nearly half (46%) saying it stayed with them for a while. Many reported feeling sad or emotionally low (40%), anxious or unsettled (39%), while more than a quarter (28%) reported trouble sleeping afterwards. As a result, three in ten (30%) chose to avoid similar content in future. 

In a survey of 2,000 young people aged 12-21 in the UK, 80% have considered whether a film or TV series will negatively impact their mood or mental wellbeing before pressing play, with 84% having thought about whether the content will contain disturbing themes or scenes they would rather avoid.

The survey, published on World Mental Health Day, identifies that while film and TV are a powerful source of joy and comfort, it also presents challenges for young people when it comes to managing mental wellbeing. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of those who watch film or TV return to a favourite film or TV series when they need cheering up or emotional comfort, yet more than half of all young people aged 12-121 have avoided (55%) or stopped watching something (55% )because they believed it might negatively affect their wellbeing.

The content issues on-screen that most commonly caused negative impacts were identified as scary or disturbing imagery (31%), violence or graphic scenes (30%) or abuse and trauma (30%). 

The findings highlight that advanced information can help mitigate the negative effects, with seven in ten (70%) who were negatively affected - and not fully aware of the content issues - feeling that the impact would have been lessened if they were aware in advance.  

When asked what they want to know about before watching, two-thirds of young people pointed to abuse or trauma (65%), scary and disturbing images (65%) and violence or graphic scenes (63%). Many would also like advance notice of discrimination and racism (57%). Among older teens (16+), knowing about scenes of sexual violence (67%) and suicide or self-harm (64%) before watching was especially important. Young people who said they want this information in advance to prepare themselves mentally (42%), protect their mood or mental health (38%) or for concern for others they are watching with, such as a younger sibling (44%).

With film and TV watchers actively considering suitability before watching – 82% have thought about if the content is suitable for their age group, and 86% for those they are watching with – the findings underline the vital importance of clear, consistent age ratings and content advice across cinema, physical media, and streaming services to help young people make confident, informed viewing decisions and, in doing so, help support and protect their mental wellbeing. 

Almost all young people (97%) say they have seen BBFC age ratings, and 77% of those have used them – most often to decide if something is suitable for those they are watching with (46%) or if it is aimed at their own age group (38%). And, of the three-quarters (77%) who have seen the BBFC’s content advice, 88% say they have used it, most commonly to avoid content that could impact their mood or mental wellbeing (45%) or as a general guide for understanding the mood or tone of a film or TV series (44%). The BBFC has worked with streaming services on a voluntary basis since 2008, and today’s research shows that half of young people (50%) have seen BBFC content advice on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video.

As Ofcom prepares to publish its new Video-on-Demand Code under the Media Act 2024, the need for transparent age ratings and content advice is more critical than ever. Clear guidance and strong audience protection measures are essential in empowering young people to make safe, informed, and confident viewing decisions, no matter where they are watching.

David Austin OBE, Chief Executive of the BBFC, said: “It's saddening that more than two in five young people have had their mental wellbeing negatively impacted by film and TV. Of those affected who were unaware of the content issues ahead of watching, 70% said the impact would have been lessened if they'd known about these in advance. This clearly shows that young people want to make informed decisions about what they watch. Clear, transparent age ratings and content advice are essential tools that empower them to do so. 

"On World Mental Health Day, this serves as a timely reminder that what we watch matters and that we must prioritise and invest in good mental health. Films, video content and websites can make a huge difference in our lives, and we want that difference to be a positive one. At the BBFC, we are committed to helping young people make safe and confident viewing decisions wherever they watch films and series – to choose what’s right for them and avoid what’s not."

Ella Bradshaw, Policy Officer for Child Safety Online at the NSPCC, said: “This research is a crucial reminder that what children are exposed to on screens can have a real impact on their mental health and wellbeing. In a world where film, TV and social media are just a tap away, it’s never been more important for families to have clear, trustworthy guidance. Age ratings and advice that truly reflect young people’s voices and experiences are essential tools to help them and their parents and carers make informed choices. We fully support the BBFC’s ongoing work to help families steer through the digital noise and would urge social media platforms to follow suit, prioritise age-appropriate design and recognise the harm certain content can cause.”

Lynn Perry, chief executive of Barnardo’s, said: "Film and TV can offer young people so much, from inspiration to education. But the reality is that some content can be distressing, triggering or simply difficult to process.  

“Children, young people, and their parents or carers should be actively supported to make choices that are right for their age, whether they are watching in a cinema, at home, or online. The BBFC's findings are a timely reminder of the necessity of clear guidance and age ratings. Providing information and forewarning is key to supporting young people’s wellbeing by helping them understand what they're viewing, make informed choices, and ultimately avoid the material that will cause them distress."

Lorna Fraser, Head of Media Advisory Service at Samaritans, said: “What we see on screen can have a powerful impact. While uplifting storylines can improve mental wellbeing, encourage help-seeking and provide comfort, viewing challenging content can have a detrimental effect.  Young people are especially susceptible and more influenced by what they see in media than other age groups. Providing clear, upfront guidance about distressing themes – including suicide and self-harm – allows audiences to make informed choices and prepare emotionally for what they watch. One in four people experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives, so the BBFC’s work highlighting potentially upsetting or triggering material is incredibly important.”

Rehema Figueiredo, Head of Media at Mind, said: “Films and TV shows offer comfort, escapism, and connection, including for young people struggling with their mental health. For wider audiences, they can also play an important role in raising awareness and understanding of mental health problems. But some content might be triggering or even encourage people—especially young people—to repeat harmful behaviours they see on screen, for example depictions of self-harm or suicide. With one in five young people in England living with a mental health problem, the BBFC’s research highlights how important it is to have access to clear information in advance to make choices about what to watch and consume. Mind also offers a range of support and information for young people struggling with their mental health through its website and Infoline.”