Censorship

Lesson objectives To be able to explain what is meant by censorship. To be able to summarise what is included in a U classification. To be able to summarise what is included in an 18 classification. To discuss arguments for and against the 9pm watershed.

Your task Make notes on this powerpoint Answer the questions one your sheet (‘Introducing censorship and the 9pm watershed’) as we go along

Censorship Preventing the circulation of information which may be considered harmful, sensitive, or politically incorrect. Censorship can apply to speech, written material, film, TV programmes etc.

Moral Censorship Censoring material for moral or ethical reasons This includes preventing the public from seeing things that are thought to be obscene or objectionable. E.g. violence, nudity, references to illegal drugs

BBFC Deciding what is morally and ethically objectionable is the job of a censor. The BBFC is a censoring organisation They view films and categorise them according to what age group the film would be suitable for BBFC = British Board of Film Classification

A U film Suitable for children from the age of four Reassuring content Not frightening No bad language Some kissing and nudity is accepted, as long as it isn’t sexual No emphasis on behaviours that might be dangerous for children to copy No reference to illegal drugs Mild horror with reassuring outcomes is acceptable Mild violence is acceptable, but no emphasis on realistic weapons

An 18 film This classification is given when the film is not at all suitable for children (age 18 and under) No theme is prohibited in an 18 Adults are free to choose their own entertainment, as long as it is not illegal or potentially harmful 18 films might include: Very strong violence/language Strong portrayals of sexual activity Strong blood and gore Discriminatory language and behaviour

An 18 film - exceptions Some films may be allowed to show full nudity to under 18s if it is in a non-sexual/educational context. E.g. material explaining the use of safe sex

The 9pm watershed This was put in place to protect children from viewing unsuitable material It considers the consequences of acts shown on TV E.g. if there is mild violence that has no severe consequences, it may be allowed before 9pm. If the same type of mild violence does have severe consequences, then it will not be shown until after 9pm

The role of government in censorship Different types of governments may have different rules on censorship Authoritarian or paternalistic governments are more likely to favour censorship Authoritarian – members of the society have little input in decisions. The government is the in authority. Paternalistic – decisions are made for the good of everybody else. The government takes a ‘fatherly’ role and assumes they know best.

In pairs, create a debate for and against the 9pm watershed. Your debate should include: Introduction to censorship and the watershed: what is censorship and what is the purpose of the 9pm watershed etc. Arguments for Arguments against Use your textbooks and your notes to help you (pg. 122-125). You can do this as a script, as if you are going to present the debate, or in bullet point form if you find it easier.

Lesson objectives To be able to explain what is meant by censorship. To be able to summarise what is included in a U classification. To be able to summarise what is included in an 18 classification. To discuss arguments for and against the 9pm watershed. Ed Psych: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Nm1RMGac28