Love Island 2022 has been entertaining the nation every evening since it returned on Monday.
ITV2’s dating show is usually a hit with younger viewers, even though it’s hardly family viewing – and might leave some parents with a few concerns over its grown-up content.
After all, series 8 kicked off with our new Islanders revealing their favourite sex positions, and reportedly a ‘giant bucket full of condoms’ being placed in the villa.
This begs the question: Does Love Island have an age rating, and who is it suitable for?
Here’s all you need to know.
Does Love Island have an age rating?
No, Love Island does not have an official age rating here in the UK.
Unlike other countries, TV shows here aren’t given specific ratings in the same way movies are.
However, broadcaster ITV does give a guidance warning when episodes air live and on ITV Hub catch-up, saying pretty clearly that it has ‘strong language and adult content’.
If watching on catch-up, you’re also asked to confirm you’re aged 18 or over before proceeding to view.
It also airs on TV at 9pm, which is useful for parents to know – because that’s when the watershed begins, and the rules about what content can be shown on TV change.
Media watchdog Ofcom defines it thus: ‘The watershed begins at 9pm and material unsuitable for children should not, in general, be shown before 9pm or after 5.30am.’
It goes on to explain that unsuitable material can include everything from swearing and violence, to sexual content and distressing imagery – with the strongest content shown later in the evening.
With all of this in mind, it’s safe to say that Love Island is not one to watch for younger children.
But are there any guidelines for non-adult teenagers, aged between 13 and 17, with whom the show is quite popular?
Again, not in the UK, so it’s up to parents to decide if their child can handle the programme.
However, in the US, Love Island UK airs on the streaming platform Hulu, where it has a TV-MA rating, which means the content is not recommended for children under 17.
Similarly, the US site Common Sense Media gives it a rating of 17+, though users on that site have given reviews suggesting it’s suitable for 15 or even 13 year olds.
Finally, Love Island Australia – a spin-off of the UK version – aired a while ago, and was given an MA classification in Australia, meaning it was deemed suitable for ages 15 and over.
Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2.
Credit: SourceYou can read this post on My Celebrity Life.
