Film Classification BBFC film

certificates
How does classification work?
Classification is used with every film so as to let parents identify weather their
child is age appropriate to watch the movie so as to protect them from
unsuitable or even harmful content. It is also used so as to give indication to
potential buyers or viewers. The BBFC is the main men in this task as they
examine and age rate all films and videos before they are released, this means
they are able to provide the highest possible level of protection and
empowerment.

The classifications used and their meanings

The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be
suitable for audiences aged four years and over.
At a U standard there can be infrequent use of mild bad
language (e.g. damn and hell), characters can be seen
kissing or cuddling each other and there can be slight
references to sexual behaviour.
Violence will generally be very mild. A U film may include
brief fight scenes or moments where characters are
placed in danger.
At U there will not normally be references to illegal drugs
or drugs misuse unless there is a very clear anti-drugs or
educational message which will be understood by a
PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is
suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be
unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not
unsettle a child aged around eight or older.
PG works can explore challenging issues such as bullying,
bereavement or racism, as well as being able to have a
use of mild bad language (such as shit or son of a bitch)
but depending on how they are delivered depends
whether it is allowed for a PG.
Sex references are unlikely unless they are undetailed and
infrequent, along with violence which can only be mild, so
only showing blood on a body not how the incident
happened.

Films classified 12A and 12 contain material that is not

generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one
younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless
accompanied by an adult.
The BBFC's Guidelines state that strong language (e.g. 'f***')
may be passed at 12 or 12A, depending on the manner in
which it is used, who is using the language and its frequency.
Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12A or 12.
Verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable
for young teenagers.
At 12A, moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell
on detail.
Some horror films are passed at this category.
Dangerous behaviour (for example hanging and suicide) may
be present in 12A or 12 works but will not dwell on detail
which could be copied or present those activities in a
manner that children are likely to copy.

No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or

buy/rent a 15 rated video. 15 rated works are not suitable for
children under 15 years of age.
Any of the following could be found in a 15 movie:
Strong violence
Frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***').
Portrayals of sexual activity
Strong verbal references to sex
Sexual nudity
Brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to
sexual violence
Discriminatory language or behaviour
Drug taking
At 15 there can be strong threat and horror as long as there
is no sustained focus on sadistic or sexualised threat.

Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed

to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy / rent an 18 rated
video. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.
18 works are for adults and can contain strong issues
such as:
Very strong violence
Frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***') and / or very
strong language
(e.g. c***)
Strong portrayals of sexual activity
Scenes of sexual violence
Strong horror
Strong blood and gore
Real sex (in some circumstances)
Discriminatory language and behaviour

The R18 category is a special and legallyrestricted classification for explicit works of
consenting sex material involving adults.
Films may only be shown to adults in
specially licensed cinemas, and video
works may be supplied to adults only in
licensed sex shops.