Reading: Content and Trigger Warnings

Content And Trigger Warnings

Last week we briefly touched on content warnings when discussing dark romance which deals with dark subject matter that might be distressing to some readers. So let’s talk more about it, because it is an important subject and needs to be covered.

Content Rating Systems

Most other media content we consume has an official rating system that allows people to be selective about what they watch or play. These tools are especially important for parents deciding what to let their children consume in the media. When I was growing up, I loved watching South Park. My parents had no idea what the content was in that show, and I probably shouldn’t have been watching it at the age I was when it came out.

The systems vary depending on the media and your location. For example the Motion Picture Association of North America uses the following rating system:

G	General Audiences: Suitable for all ages
PG	Parental Guidance: some content maybe unsuitable for young children
PG-13	Material may be inapporpriate for children under 13 years of age
R	Adult material – must have parent or guardian if under 17 years of age
NC-17	Adults only – must be 18 years old or over to view

 

These ratings will be accompanied by notes on what specific kinds of content are included in the media. This could include violence and gore, swearing and bad language, use of tobacco products, drugs and alcohol, nudity and sexual content.

The British Board of Film Classification uses a very similar system. 

U	Universal	Suitable for all with only very mild references
PG	Parental Guidance	General viewing but may be unsuitable for young children under 8 years old
12A	12 Adult	Children younger than 12 must have an adult as moderate themes
12	12 years +	For home release – must be 12 to rent or buy (obviously rare now!)
15	15 years +	Fairly mature themes but no graphic sexual detail
18	Adults	No limit on language, drugs, sexual content, gore etc
R18	Licensed	Explicit sex, fetish, extreme sex acts – porn basically

 

Video games are also subject to rating systems. The Pan-European Game Information rates video games based on content and is fairly similar to the movie rating system above. It will also provide content descriptions with symbols for things like bad language, discrimination, drugs, horror, gambling, sex, violence and online interactions which could be difficult to regulate and prevent younger children being exposed to objectionable content.

Fiction Rating Systems

There is no official rating system for books. Fanfiction websites do have rating systems. Both AO3 and Fanfiction.net use ratings to allow authors to give a general idea of the content of a work before they read. I’m most familiar with fanfiction.net. The system is largely based on the MPA one.

FFNET rating	Age Range	MPA Equivalent
K	Ages 5+	G Rating
K+	Ages 9+	PG Rating
T	Teens 13+	PG-13
M	Mature 16+	R rating
MA	Adults Only – Explicit	NC-17

 

MA is not allowed on fanfiction.net, but AO3 does allow this, while it includes a warning to the reader to ensure they are aware of the content.

Content Warnings

It is now becoming more common to include content warnings at the beginning of the book. Or it can be added at the end, and readers can be directed to it from the front of the book. It’s also important to give this information to anyone who reads your book during the writing and editing process such as critique partners, editors, proof readers, sensitivity readers and the like.

Authors may also include the details on their website and social media channels. It is possible to avoid spoilers but content warnings do need to be specific: so state ‘child abuse’ instead of just ‘abuse’ or the like.

There are all kinds of subjects that require content warnings: a full list can be found here.

But generally any kind of racism, homophobia, transphobia or bigotry would need a warning. As well as abuse, child abuse, sexual violence or abuse, grief and loss, blood, gore, body horror, extreme violence, suicide and self-harm.

Nobody is saying you can’t write about these subjects, just that you should be aware of the need for some sensitivity for your readers.

Why?

Because trauma has a profound effect on the body and the brain. When we suffer some kind of trauma, it can literally change the way our brains work. So an unexpected reminder or depiction of a past trauma can set off a really severe flashback and associated symptoms of PTSD. This can cause real harm. These responses cannot be controlled.

Not everyone who has experienced a particular trauma will be triggered by mentions of it. We discussed last week that some people can find reading about a subject can be healing or help them cope. But for others, an unexpected reminder can be a real issue for them.

Anyone who dismisses this or tells you that they shouldn’t be affected when it’s not real is talking crap. PTSD is a complex mental health condition and everyone’s experiences are different. First and foremost, we should be taking care of our mental health. Content warnings allow readers to do that.

Providing these warnings protects your readers from actual harm, and it shows respect for them. You can do this without spoiling things but you do need to be as specific as possible. It can only help your readers and ultimately showing that kind of care towards your audience will mean readers are more likely to recommend your books and read more of your work. So it’s a win-win for everyone.

Thanks for reading, I hope you found this useful and helpful. Remember, it's not okay to shame people for what they enjoy and it is important to respect and show compassion when it comes to potentially upsetting or triggering content. For more, don't forget to subscribe to the blog!

Emi the Cat Lady 💜