
Some films rated 15 and 18 could be shown in cinema screenings for parents with babies in York, subject to a council decision.
Baby Cinema Clubs would be able to apply to show the films on a case-by-case basis under York Council proposals.
The clubs, which offer showings to parents and carers with babies aged under a year, are currently allowed to show films rated U, PG and 12A by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).
A council report stated the proposals would allow the controlled entry of infants under 12 months to 15 and 18-rated films with parents and carers but not the general admission of children.
It comes as the proposals are set to go before the council's Licensing and Regulatory Committee for a decision on Tuesday, October 20.
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City Screen, Everyman, Vue and Cineworld all offer screenings to parents with
infants in line with current council rules on film classifications.
Proposals for York follow similar changes made for clubs in Leeds and Chelmsford.
Leeds City Council consulted with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport which backed the approach now proposed for York.
The West Yorkshire local authority also commissioned an expert opinion from child psychologist trauma specialists Beacon House on the potential impact on babies.
Their response stated babies did not need to understand a film to be unsettled by it and could be affected by sudden loud sounds and distressed voices which can trigger stress responses.
A caregiver's ability to notice and soothe an affected baby would affect those who rely on them to feel safe and settled.
The response said not all babies, parents and carers would have the same experience and some films had a risk of triggering those with a history of trauma.
But it also stated not all 15 and 18-rated films carried the same risk and thorough assessments would distinguish between those which would or would not be distressing to infants.
They also stated Baby Cinema Clubs provided an important opportunity for community connection which reduces experiences of isolation in early parenthood.
Practical measures such as controlling volumes, including content advisories, providing easy access to exits and mental health signposting could all be taken to help those affected.
Beacon House recommended assessing each film based on infant sensitivity and the acoustic environment, caregivers' emotional experience, content involving babies, children and parenting and pacing, duration and opportunities for recovery.
Council Director of Public Health Peter Roderick said the proposed approach for York seemed sensible in light of the findings.
The council's report stated any changes would provide a consistent licensing framework for York's Baby Cinema Clubs.
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It added while it was legally possible for the council to reclassify films locally, it would be resource-intensive and operationally complex.