BBFC Research

The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is a non-governmental entity that classifies film ratings in the UK. It has 6 different ratings; U, PG, 12A/12, 15, 18 and R18. These ratings restrict less as they become higher and are used in order to protect younger, more sensitive people from unsettling images and to inform the consumer what to expect from the film based on its rating.

U - Universal

A universal film is suitable for everyone. A film rated U should be suitable for ages four and up. U films should have very little discrimination, bad language and sexual content. When there is discrimination or bad language there should be a clear emphasis that it is bad. There is little violence or threat to not unsettle children or promote that kind of behaviour. There should be suitable counterbalances to violence and threat to reassure children.

PG - Parental Guidance

A PG film is for general viewing, it shouldn't unsettle a child that is eight years old or older. Some aspects may be unsuitable for young children. Children can watch these films unaccompanied but parents are advised to ensure that the content is appropriate and won’t upset more sensitive young children. Discrimination is only allowed if it is either clearly disapproved of or in an educational / historical context. Imitable behaviour and bad language is unacceptable and shouldn't glamorise easy to get weapons or dangerous behaviour. Mild violence and sexual references / innuendo are acceptable as long as it is not detailed and is justified. Threat is more accepted but cannot be long or intense unless on a fantasy setting.

12A/12 - Suitable for 12 Years and older

Works classified as 12 or 12A is material that isn't suitable for children under the ages of 12. Children under the age of 12 can see a 12A in cinema but only with the company of an adult. Discrimination, drugs and imitable behaviour shouldn't be endorsed or glamorised and language may be moderate. Sexual activity and nudity must be discreet and not crude. Threat is more permit able as long as the overall tone isn't disturbing, some scenes can be. Violence can be moderate but not detailed, there should be no injury or blood emphasised and gory or sexually violent can be occasional as long as it is justified by the context.

15 - Suitable for 15 Years and older     

A 15 film isn't suitable for anyone under the age of 15, there is no option to view with an adult. Discrimination isn't endorsed but racism, homophobia and other discriminatory themes can be included as long as it is shown as wrong. Drugs may be shown but the work shouldn't encourage drug misuse, misuse of highly dangerous substances is unlikely to be accepted in a 15. Imitable behaviour shouldn't be detailed or easily copy-able especially if it includes suicidal, self-harming or hanging themes. Language may be strong with some very strong language as long as it is justified in the context. Nudity is unconstrained in a nonsexual or educational context but sexual nudity has to be without strong detail, sexual activity may be shown but again without strong detail and it may be referred to verbally but not too strongly. Strong threat is more accepted as long as it isn't sadistic or sexual for a sustained period, violence may be strong without emphasis on injury or pain. Gore and sadistic violence are unlikely to be acceptable if strong.

18 - Suitable for 18 Years and older 

A 18 film isn't suitable for anyone under the age of 18.Adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. There is an exception to this rating If the material breaches criminal law, appears to risk harm to individuals or society with portrayals of sadistic or sexual violence which looks appealing and invites the viewer to partake in this violence, and where there are explicit images of sexual activity in a context of sex work or the main purpose of the images is for sexual arousal which may be accessible for younger viewer. If this is the case it is given a higher rating. If the sexual images are genuinely created to inform and educate about human sexuality or safe sex and health then explicit images may be permitted.

R18 - To be shown only in licensed cinemas or supplied in licensed sex shops and to adults only

R18 category is a special legally restricted classification for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material. the works can only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas and sold in specially licensed shops. It cannot be ordered and arrive through the postal system.