Music Video Regulations

It is clear that modern music videos are becoming more and more extreme, with; over sexualised content, nudity, inappropriate language and the normalisation of immoral subjects such as racial hatred featured in most artists's videos. Although there are 'regulations' put in place by Ofcom and sites such as YouTube, parental pressure groups are raising the issue that portraying controversial and unsuitable videos are negatively influencing children and young teenagers. This follows the Hypodermic Needle Theory in that media acts as a powerful influence that can change a consumer's behaviour.  Below shows the ex- disney star, Miley Cyrus's,  new music video for her song 'Wrecking Ball'. The singer idolised by young girls and teenagers for her role as Hannah Montanna appears completely naked, with the lyrics in her other recent songs 'We Can't Stop' reading "Tryna get a line in the bathroom" - this glamorisation of drug taking is yet another example of the bad example these artists are setting. 

However, some may argue that as consumers, it is our decision to watch these type of videos, if we are offended by the material- it deems logical to turn it off/ stop watching them. The 'Parental Advisory Explicit Content' logo indicates whether or not the video is suitable for those of a young age- this allows artists to fully express themselves while also pre-warning potential viewers. On the other hand, the appeal of these 'explicit' videos will inevitably increase- with children and teenagers becoming more eager to see them simply because they're suppose not to, this mass concern for parents who cannot monitor and control everything their children watch on the internet has caused the government to introduce a new regulation were by all music videos must be given an age rated certificate. I have linked a recent article from The Guardian, further explaining David Cameron's new policy. However, some may argue that as consumers, it is our decision to watch these type of videos, if we are offended by the material- it deems logical to turn it off/ stop watching them. The 'Parental Advisory Explicit Content' logo indicates whether or not the video is suitable for those of a young age- this allows artists to fully express themselves while also pre-warning potential viewers. On the other hand, the appeal of these 'explicit' videos will inevitably increase- with children and teenagers becoming more eager to see them simply because they're suppose not to, this mass concern for parents who cannot monitor and control everything their children watch on the internet has caused the government to introduce a new regulation were by all music videos must be given an age rated certificate. I have linked a recent article from The Guardian, further explaining David Cameron's new policy.- http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/aug/18/online-music-videos-age-rating-october-david-cameron. This could perpetuate the problem as Artists will continually create 'scandalous' videos as they receive more attention- Miley Cyrus's Wrecking Ball reached over 709,938,017 hits on YouTube. 

In my opinion,  labelling music videos as 'explicit' will only make them more appealing, especially to those under the age of 18 who find pleasure in watching content deemed inappropriate for them. Saying this, providing an age certificate on each music  shows how the BBFC and Ofcom have taken into consideration of safeguarding children.  Ofcom regulations should be kept in place to prevent heavily offensive and prejudice material being normalised and broadcasted.