Great news: our Youth Panel is expanding! We’re looking to recruit new members aged 12 - 15 to join our new BBFC Teens Youth Panel.
BBFC Teens is a new strand of our Youth Panel, open to young people aged 12- 15 years. We believe that everyone should have their say when it comes to setting the standards that underpin our age ratings. This includes young people whose voices are central to ensuring our age ratings continue to help other teens - and their families - decide what to watch with confidence, and avoid what’s not right for them.
BBFC Teen members will get to watch films together, learn more about our age ratings and have the chance to share their views on content with us. Plus, they will have exclusive opportunities to represent the BBFC on social media platforms and media outlets, and attend exciting BBFC events.
Applications are now open and should be sent to youthpanel@bbfc.co.uk, along with your application video. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 11 March. Information on how to apply is included on this page below.
All members (plus one adult) will be invited to join us at two in-person events per year. These events will involve a film screening of a recent release, followed by a discussion of the age rating and content advice. We will also facilitate engaging film-related tasks and provide opportunities to learn more about the BBFC and how we age rate films.
Throughout the year we will also reach out to offer opportunities to get involved in other activities, which could include: recording a video for our social channels; opportunities to attend BBFC events such as panel discussions; represent the BBFC at events; and, if happy to, we will encourage our Teen members to represent the BBFC across media, including on TV and radio, when opportunities allow. Members will also become ambassadors for the BBFC in their schools and local communities.
The bi-annual events will take place in London. The BBFC will cover travel expenses and basic accommodation costs for one adult and one child, and we’ll also provide food and drink on the day. We will also cover the costs associated with any additional involvement in youth panel activities (for example, we will cover the cost of cinema tickets to support the creation of social media content).
We’re looking for young people who are excited about film and the opportunity to meet like-minded others from across the UK. We’re hoping to hear from young people who are passionate about movies and youth focused social issues, and enjoy debating and sharing their opinions.
Our first event is taking place on Saturday 25 April and you must be available to attend.
There will also be occasions throughout the year where we may ask members to create other content for us, including videos or quotes for use across our social media platforms. We will not take any pictures, or post any pictures across our platforms without parental/guardian consent.
The tenure for each panelist is two full school years.
To apply, please complete this application form. We would also like you to send us a short video, no longer than two minutes, of your child - or you and your child - which should cover the following:
Introduce yourselves - tell us who you are, where you’re from and how old you are
Tell us about your favourite film. What is it called? What’s the age rating? Why do you love it?
Why do you want to join our Youth Panel?
Please note all applications must be submitted by a parent or guardian.
To be a BBFC Teens panellist, you must be a UK resident born between 01/09/2010 - 31/08/2014.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 11 March. Please send your application form and video to youthpanel@bbfc.co.uk. If you have not heard back from us by Wednesday 14 April, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
Find your filming spot - Pick a place that's quiet, looks decent, and has good light. Try to sit near a window for the best natural light. Make sure we can see and hear you clearly—no distracting noise or background chat!
Smile and let your personality shine - We want to see the real you. Look into the camera like you're talking to a friend. Get hyped about your favourite film and why you think you'd be a great panel member. Most importantly, have fun with it!
Keep it snappy - Remember, your video should be under two minutes—that's not long! Try saying what you want to say a few times before you hit record. If you mess up, no stress, just start again.
Get a hand from an adult - Ask a parent or guardian to help you film. They can make sure you're properly in the shot and that the sound is clear. They can even join in for a quick cameo if they want!
Watch it back before you send it - Finished recording? Give your video a quick watch. Can you see yourself clearly? Is everything you said easy to hear? If it looks and sounds epic, you're all set to send it our way.
