British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)

The British Board of Film Classification (aka. BBFC) is a non-government organisation funded by the film industry that specializes in regulating different types of moving media. For example: film, video, DVD, and video games. These products must be classified under the video recordings act by the BBFC before release or else it would be illegal to supply the different types of recorded media.

Productions are categorized and issued with a certificate that informs the audience of the product what age range/group it is suitable for. They are classified by usually at least two examiners of the BBFC. Throughout, they look at things that may be an issue such as: discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behavior, language, nudity, sex, sexual violence, theme and violence when making decisions. Context, the tone, the impact and the product will have on the viewer and whether there is a higher chance of children using/watching the products at home are also considered by the British board of film Classification during the categorization.

Along with rating, all films and video games rated by the BBFC come with a few lines of advice to the customer, often giving a more details description so the audience has a better idea of what to expect prior to watching. If a certificate specifies that a film or video game is only suitable for someone over a certain age. then only those over that age may buy it.

Universal –Suitable for all ages.

A film that is issued a ‘U’ should be suitable for all audiences over the age of four years old. If a product is issued a ‘U’ and suitable for children in pre-school, this will be indicated next to the rating image in consumer advice.

Products that fit into the ‘U’ category can contain:

-No discrimination as bad language or behaviour.
-Reassuring and mild scary scenes that shouldn’t cause any anxiety to a child.
-Only very mild bad language.
-No reference to illegal or the misuse of drugs, unless there is a clear anti-drugs or educational purpose to the product.
-Only occasional natural nudity.
-No sex references.
-Mild violence only.
-Mild sexual behaviour only (kissing, making love). 

Parental Guidance

Productions that are categorised under the Parental Guidance classification are suitable for general viewing by any ages but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. Any child can watch a ‘PG’ film unaccompanied and should be suitable for a child from the age of eight and upwards. But, guardians of younger viewers are advised to consider whether the content in the production is suitable for their child and whether it will upset them or not.

Products that fit into the ‘PG’ category can contain:

   
-Usually, discriminatory behaviour/language is likely to be unacceptable in a ‘PG’ film unless it will be clearly disapproved of by the audience or in an educational context.
-Again, references to drugs unless in an anti-drug context (etc) are unacceptable.
-No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy.
-Only mildly bad language is acceptable.
-Natural nudity only.
-Mild sex references and innuendos only.
-Moderate violence without detail is allowed. 

Suitable for 12 years and older

The same criterion is used by examiners when examining both a ‘12A’ film and a ‘12’ certificate one. A 12/12A category is awarded when generally a product is suitable throughout for people above the age of 12 years old.

A ‘12A’ classification is only used in cinema and is fairly similar to the ‘PG’ category. No one below the age of 12 can view a ‘12A’ film unless they are accompanied by an adult who believes in their judgement that the film is suitable for that particular child, and will not be upset during viewing.

'12' category films exists only for video and DVD works. Anyone below the age of 12 cannot legally rent or buy a '12' rated video/DVD.

Products that fit into the ‘12’/’12A’ category can contain:

-Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is only allowed if it is clearly condemned.
-The misuse of drugs must not be frequent and if shown, not in a positive light or any instructional detail.
-Moderate physical and psychological Horror threats are acceptable as long as they are not frequent throughout.
-Dangerous behaviour (i.e. suicide) should be dwelled on in order to prevent viewers from imitating or copying.
-Nudity is acceptable. Sexual content must be brief and discreet.
-Themes can be mature but must be suitable for younger teenagers watching.
-No dwelling in detail of moderate violence but is allowed. Neither blood nor injuries should be emphasised but the occasional ‘gore’ moment is acceptable. 

Suitable for 15 years or over

Any person below the age of 15 years old wishing to view a ‘15’ certificate film should not be permitted to see any of its kind in a cinema or to rent/buy its video work (DVD, etc).

Products that fit into the ‘15’ category can contain:

-Discriminatory language is acceptable but as a whole must not be endorsed.

-During the film the consumption of drugs is allowed but the film as a whole should not promote/endorse drugs to the audience.
-Strong humour unless sadistic or sexualised.
-Dangerous behaviour (i.e. suicide) should be dwelled on in order to prevent viewers from imitating or copying.
-Sexual activity may be portrayed without a large amount of detail. Productions whose main primary focus is arousal or stimulation will probably not be acceptable.
-As long as it’s with light detail, nudity is allowed in a sexual context.
-Any theme may be permitted if the product is suitable for person above the age of fifteen years old.
-Strong violence is acceptable but infliction or pain should not be dwelled on in great detail.
-Extremely gory images are unlikely to be acceptable in a 15 rated production. 

Suitable only for adults (18+)

Productions that are rated as an ‘18’ certificate are only available to be viewed by people over the age of 18 years old. This is the same for both the viewing in a cinema and purchasing or renting an ‘18’ rated video/DVD.

Films under this category do not have as strict limitations on various different things unlike the other certificates. For example: there is no limitation on the bad language used, hard drugs are usually acceptable, along with strong sexual and violent references. Strong sexual activity is also allowed. Some scenes that involve strong real sex may be permitted if they’re justified by the context.

To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults no less than 18 years 

Also films cannot be seen or purchased in normal cinemas or shops but can only be viewed in specially licensed and video works can only be purchased/rented to adults in licensed sex shops. Some ‘R18’ Videos/DVD’s may not be available for delivery over mail order.

Again like the ‘18’ certificate, ‘R18’ movies are only legally allowed to be viewed by people over the age of 18 years old. However, it is a special and legally restricted category especially for films containing sex or strong fetish material.


Products that fit into the ‘R18’ category cannot contain:

-Anything that breaches the criminal law or a product that appears to be ‘obscene’ by examiners.   
-Certain scenes that may provoke adults into inappropriate abusive sexual behaviour. (rape, paedophilia)
-The causing of pain or ways in which someone may be inflicted upon physical harm through a sexual manner. May be considered by examiners if it’s non-abusive or only moderate behaviour.