New research has highlighted Irish audiences' evolving attitudes to harmful and offensive media content, with two-in-three adults (67%) reporting that they did not have concerns about seeing or hearing potentially harmful or offensive media content themselves. However, among adults who are parents, a majority (52%) were concerned.

The research on Audience Perspectives on Harmful and Offensive Media Content was conducted by Coimisiún na Meán and the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO), with the Ombudsman for Children's Office designing and facilitating the focus groups for children.

This research examines the attitudes of adults and children to content on television, radio, cinema, home entertainment and video-on-demand services. It also looks at their perspectives regarding the regulation of such content. The research consisted of a desk-based review, a nationally representative survey of adults and focus group discussions with adults and children.

Speaking on the launch of the research, Aoife MacEvilly, Coimisiún na Meán Broadcasting and Video-on-Demand Commissioner, said:

"We at Coimisiún na Meán are committed to ensuring that audiences, especially children, can benefit from the positive aspects of media, while also being protected from its potential harms. Central to this ambition is ensuring that Irish audiences, especially children, can engage safely with content that is age-appropriate for them.

The research report that we are launching today provides crucial insights into how Irish people consume media - whether broadcast, on-demand, at home or in cinemas - and gives us a strong evidence base regarding their attitudes to regulation, which will inform future updates to our Media Services Codes and Rules.

I want to extend my thanks to the Coimisiún na Meán Research team, the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO), the Ombudsman for Children's Office and all those who participated in the research who have contributed their time, views and expertise in developing this research report.''

While most adults are unconcerned about encountering potentially harmful or offensive media content, most parents report feeling 'very concerned' about younger children (12 years and under) viewing/listening to content that includes dangerous or harmful behaviours (74%), sexual themes and nudity (74%), or violence (66%). Parents are less concerned about younger children encountering strong language (44%).

Parents are generally less concerned about teens encountering potentially harmful or offensive content. Indeed, they consider that some adult content may be appropriate for older children, if it is consensual, its portrayal is healthy and realistic, and it could help educate their children.

Parents take comfort in knowing that there are regulated spaces that adhere to certain standards, and from the parental controls and child settings that come with some subscription video-on-demand services. Child participants highlighted some practical improvements that could be made to such features, including the use of voice control or fingerprint access.

While teen participants generally considered it appropriate that parents should monitor content for younger children, many considered that the balance should shift towards greater self-monitoring as children mature. Moreover, many confirmed that they do indeed self-monitor their content consumption,

On media types, adults report greatest concern about harmful and offensive content on Reality TV (49%), followed by Drama/Fiction (31%), Factual programming (27%) and Light entertainment (25%).

Dr Ciarán Kissane, Director of Film Classification at the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO), said:

"This research presents valuable insights into children's and adults' views in relation to media content across all the main platforms in the post-COVID era. It specifically addresses the content categories that IFCO uses to provide guidance to Irish audiences. The research has already informed IFCO's re...