What does indexed mean? Easily explained

If a film, series or computer game is included in the list of media harmful to young people, it is indexed. In this article, we explain what indexed means and how indexing works.

Indicated: what does that mean?

The Federal Test Center for Media Harmful to Young People (BPjM), based in Bonn, is responsible for media testing. If a medium, for example a film or computer game, is classified as harmful to young people, it ends up on the index and is then indexed. However, this does not mean that this product is prohibited and may no longer be sold:

• If a film, computer game or video appears to be harmful to young people, for example a youth minister or office, the office submits an application for indexation to the BPjM.
• Media with violence-glorifying, pornographic or war-glorifying content are classified as harmful to young people.
• If an application for indexing is made, the author or owner of the medium concerned will be notified.
• The latter can then comment on the application. A committee of the BPjM then decides on indexing.
• If a medium has already been given an age label by the voluntary self-control of the film industry (FSK) or the entertainment software self-control (USK), no indexing procedure is initiated.
• Indexed media may not be broadcast on radio and television. Sales and distribution restrictions must be introduced online and on CD / DVD. For example, indexed media may no longer be advertised, the media may only be sold to adults and may only be sold to a limited extent by mail order.
• Media remain on the index for 25 years. Then it is checked again whether they are still considered harmful to young people.
• The list for media harmful to young people is published quarterly in the magazine "BPjM Aktuell".

In our picture gallery we show you how USK and BPjM work.