Chew TV Classification Policy 2009
To get maximum exposure of your film by submitting it to Chew TV, you want it to get into the 'safe' playlist. Any content considered suitable only for those over 18 years old will be classified as 'Restricted' and will only be available to logged in users aged over 18 years.
When submitting ANY content to Chew TV, make sure it doesn't infringe these underlying principles:
- Is the material within the law; are there any copyright issues or concerns?
- Is the material offensive/unacceptable to broad public opinion?
- Is the material likely to cause harm to viewers?
- Is the material likely to cause any harm to society through the behaviour of those viewers afterwards?
- Does the submitted Content cause any conflicts of interest with Chew TV?
(While considering these principles, the Chew TV Content Crew recognises that any adult over the age of 18 has the right to choose what they view as long as it remains within the law)
Offensive Language
Some use of language (explicit, or derogatory towards religious, racial or vulnerable sections of society) offends many viewers. The Content Crew will consider the values and protect the interests of its users when classifying works that contain potentially offensive language. They will also consider in what context the language is to be used and its intentional and possible unintentional meanings.
Nudity & Sex
No 'full frontal' nudity will be classified for viewing on Chew TV. Portrayal of sexual activity in moving image may range from references regarding sexual acts to simulated sex scenes. The Content Panel will seriously question the necessity of any sexual portrayal in potential content. The Content Panel will treat any sexual reference or portrayal with extreme caution, no matter how minor. Chew TV will not tolerate or display any material whatsoever that is intended for sexual arousal or gratification. The Content Panel will apply the same level of standards to homosexual references/portrayals as to heterosexual references/portrayals.
Violence
Chew TV will not tolerate any material that endorses violence, portrays violence as a normal solution to problems, contains a hero that inflicts pain or injury on human beings, encourages aggressive attitudes, takes pleasure in pain or humiliation or that glamorises any violence at all especially sexual violence.
The Content Crew is concerned with any portrayal of violent and criminal techniques, especially those concerning the use of everyday objects being used as weapons. Chew TV will not tolerate any portrayal of criminal, violent or dangerous activity that young or vulnerable people are likely to copy.
Horror
The Content Crew will consider that viewers sometimes want to be frightened or shocked. The Content Crew will not cut or disallow material simply because it is alarming, shocking or frightening but will protect younger viewers by using the Classification Levels (14-17yrs & 18+yrs)
The Law
The Video Recordings Act 1984
The Act requires special regard (among the other relevant factors) to the likelihood of works being viewed in the home, and to;
- any harm to those likely to view a video
- any harm to society through the behaviour of those viewers afterwards
The possible effect not only on children but also on other vulnerable people must also be considered.
The Act further requires that special regard is paid to the manner in which the work deals with
- criminal behaviour
- use of illegal drugs
- violent behaviour or incidents
- horrific behaviour or incidents
- human sexual activity
The Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937
It is illegal to show any scene 'organised or directed' for the purposes of the film to involve actual cruelty to animals.
The Protection of Children Act 1978
It is illegal to show indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child (under the age of 18).
The Obscene Publications Act 1959
It is illegal to show a work that is obscene. A work may be found obscene if, taken as a whole, it has a tendency to deprave and corrupt (ie make morally bad) a significant proportion of those likely to see it.
Human Rights Act 1998
Among the rights established under this Act are the right to private life and family, and the right to freedom of expression. When classifying works, the Chew TV Content Crew will have regard to the impact of any decision on the rights of any relevant person.
The Act permits such restrictions on freedom of expression as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.
Classification Levels
Chew TV Classification Levels are as follows:
- 'F' (Family) - Suitable for people of all ages and mental states.
- 'T' (Teenage) - Not suitable for young people under the age of 12 years old. (Content classified as 'T' will be available on Chew TV at all times but will be labelled as not suitable for younger children)
- 'R' (Restricted) - Not suitable for young people under the age of 18 years old. (To view content that has the 'A' classification the viewer must be signed in to a Chew TV user account with a registered age of at least 18 years old)
Classification
'F'
- Theme: The theme must be suitable for people of all ages.
- Offensive Language: No swearing, or offensive language.
- Nudity: No nudity.
- Sex: No sexual behaviour except perhaps for kissing or references to 'making love'
- Violence: Occasional, mild references to threat or menace. No criminal or violent behaviour likely to be copied.
- Horror: Horror effects should be mild and brief and should take into account the presence of very young viewers. The outcome should be reassuring.
- Substance Misuse: No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless there is a clear educational purpose or clear anti-drug message suitable for the audience.
'T'
- Theme: More mature themes can be covered but the younger audience must be considered.
- Offensive Language: No swearing, but mildly offensive words/phrases are acceptable.
- Nudity: No nudity.
- Sex: Sexual activity may be implied. Sex references may reflect what is likely to be familiar to most adolescents but should not go beyond what is suitable for them.
- Violence: Scenes of a violent nature must not be detailed, only implied. Injuries or blood must not be emphasised. No criminal or violent behaviour likely to be copied.
- Horror: Sustained moderate threat and menace are permitted. Occasional gory moments only.
- Substance Misuse: Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or instructional. Anti- drug meanings only.
'R'
- 'Open Door' to anything excluding nudity and always considering the Chew TV Classification Guidelines and remaining within the law. All sexual references/portrayals will be scrutinised.
Online safety
Chew TV take the online safety of its users very seriously. All of the content on the Chew TV website is moderated before it goes live. All Chew TV staff has up-to-date Criminal Records Bureau checks and has attended online safety training delivered by CEOP. Chew TV have recently attained a SAFEchild Child Protection Award.
All registered users on the Chew TV website are over thirteen years, for those users under eighteen, Childnet gives this advice: Be SMART
STAYING SAFE involves being careful and not giving out your name, address, mobile phone no., school name or password to people online
MEETING someone you have contacted in cyberspace can be dangerous. Only do so with your parent's/carer's permission, and then when they can be present
ACCEPTING e-mails or opening files from people you don't really know or trust can get you into trouble - they may contain viruses or nasty messages
RELIABLE - Someone online maybe lying about who they are, and information you find on the Internet may not be reliable.
TELL your parent or carer if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried.
If you have any questions or concerns about the online safety of the Chew TV website please email privacy@chewtv.com.
To report inappropriate contact online with children by an adult visit the CEOP website and click the REPORT button.
Information for parents
For more information on how to keep your child safe online go to http://www.childnet-int.org/safety/parents.aspx
For further online safety resources and information visit: http://www.chatdanger.com/resources/
Please watch the CEOP online safety commercial for advise on child safety on the internet.