In order to protect children
from unsuitable and even harmful content in films and videos and to give
consumers information they might need about a particular film or video, the BBFC examines and age rates films and
videos before they are released. They consider issues such as discrimination,
drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex,
and violence when making decisions.
U Universal –
Suitable for all
A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and
above. It is usually alright though it can be hard to tell what some children
will find unsettling or what some children might not enjoy.
Discriminatory language or behaviour is not accepted unless
clearly disapproved of within the film.
References to drugs or drug use must be infrequent and not harmful or
offensive, or have a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message. Potentially dangerous behaviour which may be
copied must be clearly disapproved of. Emphasis of realistic or easily
accessible weapons is never shown. Very
mild bad language is used and not very often.
Only very mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) and references to
it is exhibited. Scary sequences
should be brief and unlikely to cause anxiety or any issues to young children.
The outcome should be reassuring. Mild violence may be acceptable if it is justified
by context (for example in a comedy or animated film).
PG - Parental Guidance is advised
A PG film should not
unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Unaccompanied children of any age
may watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset
younger, or more sensitive, children.
Discriminatory language or behaviour is also not accepted
unless clearly disapproved of within the film, or in an educational or
historical context. Discrimination by a
character created to identify with children will not be accepted. References to
drugs or drug use must be cautious or carry an anti-drug message. There is no
detail of potentially dangerous behaviour could be copied unless it is shown as
wrong. There is never a glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons
such as knives. Only mild bad language will feature however, aggressive or a
lot of bad language may result in a higher certificate. Sexual activity may be
implied, but should be discreet and can include mild references and innuendo. Frightening situations where characters are in danger should not
be prolonged or intense. There may be moderate violence, without detail,
if justified by context (for example, history, comedy or fantasy).
12A/12 – Suitable for
12 years and over
Films
classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not
suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film
in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult and no one
younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated film or video.
Discriminatory
language or behaviour must not be supported by the film. Aggressive
discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless
clearly condemned. Use of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised.
No promotion of potentially dangerous behaviour or any glamorisation of
realistic or easily accessible weapons such as knives is allowed. Strong language may be permitted, depending on the manner in which
it is used, who is using the language, its frequency within the film and any
special contextual justification. Sexual activity may be briefly
and discreetly portrayed. Moderate sex references are permitted, but frequent
crude references are unacceptable. There may be moderate physical and
psychological threat and horror sequences and although some scenes may be
disturbing, the overall film should not be. There may be moderate violence but
it should not go into detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood,
but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context.
Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and
its depiction must be justified by context.
15 – Suitable only
for 15 years and over
No one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in
a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15 rated video work.
The film must not condone
discriminatory language or behaviour, although there may be racist, homophobic
or other discriminatory themes and language. Drug taking may be shown but the
work must not promote or encourage drug use. Dangerous behaviour (for example,
hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not go into detail as it could be
copied. Very strong language may be permitted, depending on the manner in
which it is used, who is using the language, its frequency within the work as a
whole and any special contextual justification. There are no
constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. Sexual activity may be portrayed, but usually without strong
detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the
strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context.
A sustained focus on sadistic or sexual threat is unlikely to be
acceptable. Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of
pain or injury. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but
the depiction of sexual violence must be discreet and justified by context.
18 – Suitable only
for adults
No one younger than 18 may see an 18 film in
a cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy an 18 rated video work.
It
is believed that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment.
Exceptions are; where it is in breach of the criminal law,
or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence, where
material or treatment appears to risk harm to individuals or, through their
behaviour, to society (this may include portrayals of sadistic or sexual violence
which make this violence look appealing) or where
there are more explicit images of sexual activity in the context of a sex work.
