Certificate Research

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.