Viewers more relaxed about sex on television

But, while attitudes have changed, a significant proportion of people are still concerned by what is shown, with 19 per cent of adults, questioned in 2011, offended by something that they had watched in the past 12 months.

Regulator Ofcom’s annual survey found that 25 per cent of adults are unhappy with the amount of sex on the small-screen, down from 36 per cent in 2005.

More than a third (36 per cent) say that there is too much violence, down from 56 per cent, and 37 per cent are concerned about the amount of foul language, a drop from 55 per cent in 2005.

The figures also show a fall in the level of concern since 2010, when 30 per cent said that there was too much sex and 43 per cent were concerned by violence and language.

Ofcom’s report also found that 77 per cent of UK adults, up from 64 per cent, believe that the 9pm television watershed, designed to protect younger audiences, is set at the right time. Only 12 per cent think that the watershed is too early.

Around half (55 per cent) of the adults questioned said that the standard of TV programmes has remained consistent over the previous 12 months.

The proportion saying that standards have declined is at 31 per cent, down from 40 per cent in 2005.

Older people are more likely to feel that standards have declined (46 per cent among those aged 65 and over), while the youngest (16-34) were more likely to feel that they had improved (18 per cent).

When describing why standards had got worse, most cited more repeats (71 per cent) and lack of variety (43 per cent).

Overall, three quarters (74 per cent) felt the levels of TV regulation were “about right”.