X MARKS THE SPOT!

What does the classification board do?

-          The classification board is an independent Government body that classifies all types of material, such as films and computer games before they are viewed by the general public. The classifications PG, M, MA, 15+, R, 18+ OR X 18 and over are designed to help consumers decide what media material they will be consuming, now with this advice consumers are able to make an informed decision. 

-          The board is also decides what consumer advice is to be provide. The board also classifies internet context, referred by the Australian communications and Media authority (ACMA), and deals with material referred by the Australian customs.

How important is context in the decision making process?

-          Depending of the context of the film depends on the rating it will receive, for example the material of a film may contain violence, nudity, foul language. This will determine the classification of the film, the classification of a film, publication or computer game is about informing your choices. Before material is made available to the public, the Classification Board assesses the content to see where it fits within the classification categories. The context will affect the decision making process because depending on the context a rating will be allocated. The classification bored must comply with the Publication: film and computers games Act 1995. 

How is impact assessed?

-          While deciding and allocating classifications, the classification board must also asses the level of impact which consumers will be subjected to. Impact is assessed on the high force or shock a person will receive when consuming the media material. Level of horror or violence the film contains the same goes for computer games and other media material. 

Research some of the decisions the Board has made in recent years. What content has been refused classification or needed to be amended?

-          Grand theft auto was classified RC (refused classification) in Australia under the classification-publications of films and computers Act 1995.

-          The decision to classify GTA 3 RC was due to a number of reasons, which included a large content of violence, criminal activity and sexual animations.

-          During the course of the game, the gamer undertakes a number of missions which include stealing police cars, killing police officers, running over pedestrians and obtaining different weapons. When in the action of an attack on a pedestrian, police officer or criminal figure a pool of blood is seen coming from the victim’s body.  Victims maybe attacked in a number of ways for example, punches to the body or face, repeated kicking or killed with the use of a weapon such as a gun.

-          According to the game sites the preferred method of killing is shooting at close range.

-          In one scene, the gamer stops to pick up a sex worker. She agrees to get into the car and the gamer drives onto a grassed treed area, the car then begins rocking and the scene is then accompanied by the games money decreasing.

-          The review board took this imagery to be a suggestion of sexual activity. Furthermore the ministers are concerned that games, because of their interactive nature may have greater impact and therefore greater potential for harm on young minds than films.