Netflix adds age ratings that you can filter TV shows and movies by

NETFLIX has given its UK content age ratings using algorithm tech developed by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

Staff at the streaming platform had to watch all of the content and tagged things like sex scenes and violence.

Stranger Things has been rated at a 15Credit: Netflix

These tags then helped the algorithm come up with an age rating.

The BBFC thinks other streaming services should do the same so parents and even children can be clearly informed about the nature of the content.

Netflix is the first streaming service to do this in the UK.

All of its UK content has been given a U, PG, 12A, 15 or 18 label.

The Queen's Gambit has been rated as a 15 — The Queen’s Gambit has been rated as a 15Credit: Netflix

Popular Netflix Original Stranger Things has been rated as a 15 despite the first season featuring a large amount of actors that were under 15.

The Crown is also a 15 and nurse drama Ratched is rated at an 18.

The ratings appear when you hover over a show or film and also appear briefly in the corner when they start to load.

David Austin, CEO of the BBFC, said: “With people spending increasing amounts of time online, it’s more important than ever for families to have clear, consistent advice on content, so they can choose well.

“This innovative partnership with one of the biggest services in the UK has allowed us to do just that.

“No matter what families choose to watch, they can watch with confidence.”

According to the BBFC, 85% of parents and 95% of teenagers want age ratings on streaming platforms.

It took two years for over 10,000 films, documentaries and shows to be rated.

Netflix director of ratings policy and compliance Jessica Stansfield said: “We wanted our members to see the same trusted age ratings on our service as they recognise from cinema and DVD – to simplify the process of choosing content, however they watch.”

The age ratings could help parents filter out inappropriate content so their children won’t see it.

The BBFC is also working on similar projects with company’s like Sky, Virgin Media and Curzon Home.

Top tips for keeping children safe online

Here’s some measures parents/guardians can take…

The Sun previously spoke to online safety expert Claire Stead, who shared her top tips for parents who want to make sure their kids aren’t getting access to any dodgy material online.
1. Teach yourself: If you familiarise yourself with popular apps like Instagram and Snapchat then you’ll have a better idea of the risks your kids face, and how to prevent them.
2. Check privacy settings: Major apps and services – like Facebook or your Sky TV box – have ways of restricting access for young people, so check through the settings thoroughly before letting your child onto a device.
3. Get them offline: It’s key to remind children that there’s a whole world offline too, to help dampen the impact of potential cyberbullying – which Claire calls “the biggest concern around online safety”.
4. Talk to them: Make sure children know the risks they face but also make them aware that they can talk to you when things go wrong – particularly if someone is being mean to them, or being sexual with them, online.