Research: British Board Of Film Classification

Who are The British Board of Film Classification?

The British Board of Film Classification is a specially run company which was set up in 1912 who are responsible for the age ratings on movies which are released in Britain.

What are the guidelines?

There are 5 different guidelines created by BBFC to certificate films shown in the UK, these guidelines are called U, PG, 12/12A, 15, 18, R18.

U - Universal (Suitable for all ages)


Violence: Mild violence only. 
Discrimination: No discriminatory language or behavior, unless clearly disapproved of. 
Horror: Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause anxiety in young children.
Imitable behaviour:  No dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy.
Language: Infrequent use of mild language.                                               
Nudity: Natural nudity, no sexual content.                                                  
Sex: Mild sexual behaviour, for example, kissing.                                       
Theme: Must be appropriate and sensitive for young children.  
Drugs: No reference to illegal drugs or drug misuse.                                                     
 
PG - Parental guidance 

Discrimination: Discriminatory language and behaviour is unlikely to be unacceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in educational or historical context.Drugs: References to illegal drug use must carry a suitable anti- drug message.
Horror: Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. 
Imitable behavior: No detail or potentially dangerous behavior which young children are likely to copy. 
Language: Mild bad language only. 
Nudity: Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex: Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. 
Theme: Where more serious issues are featured nothing in their treatment should condone unacceptable behaviour. 
Violence: Moderate violence without detail, may be allowed, if its justified by its content. 

12/12A - Suitable for the ages 12 years and above

Discrimination: Discriminatory language or behavior must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. If its aggressive its unlikely to be acceptable. Drugs: Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorized.  
Horror: Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent. 
Imitable behaviour: Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail which can be copied, or appear harm or pain free. 
Language: Moderate language is acceptable. The use of strong language must be infrequent. 
Nudity: Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief.
Sex: Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. 
Themes: Mature themes are acceptable, but must be appropriate for young children. Violence: Moderate violence is allowed, but should not be dwelled upon in detail. 

15 - Suitable for ages 15 years and above

Discrimination: The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. 
Drugs: Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug taking.
Horror: Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.
Imitable behaviour: Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail which can be copied.
Language: There may be frequent use of strong language. The strongest terms may be acceptable if justified by the content.
Nudity: Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail.
Sex: Sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail.
Theme: No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.
Violence: Violence may be strong, but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. 


18- Suitable for ages 18 years and above (usually suitable for adults)



The consistent findings of the BBFC's public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at '18' the BBFC's guidelines concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. However, these are the more likely exceptions: 

• Where the material is in breach of criminal law. 
• Where material or treatment  appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals, or through their behaviour, to society. 
• Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context

R18-To be shown only in licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years old

The "R18" category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults in licensed sex shops. The following content is acceptable: 

• Any material which is in breach of the criminal law.
• Material likely to encourage an interest in sexual abusive activity.
• The portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent.
• The infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or simulated.
• Penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm. 
• Any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of clearly-consenting role-playing game.