BBFC Research

The British Board of Film Classification or for short the BBFC is an independent, non-governmental organisation which is funded by the film industry it was first formed in 1912. The BBFC has been classifying films since it was founded in 1912, the main categories of the rating system are U,PG,12a,12,15,18 and R18 but also since the Video Recording Act which was passed in 1984 it also has been classifying Videos / DVD's and even some video games under the Video Recording Act of 2010.

 Universal (U)

A U Rated film is suitable for ages of 4 and up.

Content

• Mild Violence only.
• Very mild sexual behaviour such as kissing or cuddling.
• No Sexual References.
• No Discrimination.
• Infrequent mild bad language such as 'damn'.
• No drug references unless used within an anti drug campaign.  

Parental Guidance (PG)

PG means the film is suitable for general viewing, but with some scenes not suited towards a younger audience.PG films are usually aimed at children age 8 and over.

Content

• Do not contain any themes that are inappropriate for a child.
• Mild bad language such as 'Bitch' but the context and delivery are important.
• Mild Violence such as blood but not and serious imagery.
• Mild Drug references
• Unlikely sexual references unless they are undetailed and infrequent.

Suitable for 12 years and above  

 The 12a rating is only used in cinemas and means that anyone of the age of 12 has to be accompanied by a person over the age of 18 to view the film just like the A in 12a suggests which mean 'Accompanied'.

Content

• Nudity is allowed but sexual content must be brief and discreet when used.
• The themes used can be more mature but must be suitable for a young teen audience.
• Moderate violence is allowed but must not portray it in much detail and must not glorify gore.
• Weapons used are not allowed to be types easily obtained by teens around the age of 12 such as knifes.
• Misuse of drugs must not be frequently shown and must not but portrayed in a positive light.

Suitable for 15 years and above 

 No-one under the age of 15 is allowed into view a 15 rated film even if accompanied by an adult in a cinema or buy or rent a 15 certificate video.

Content

• Strong Scenes of violence.
• Frequent uses of strong language.
• Drug Use.
• Sexual Violence and or verbal references to sexual violence.
• Sexual Nudity.
• Discrimination. 
• No theme is prohibited only if it isn't suitable for people aged 15.

Suitable for 18 years and above 

Films with the certification 18 are for adults, no one under the age of 18 is allowed to view or buy the film. Any film that is rated 18 is not acceptable for any child.

Content

• Very strong violence.
• Frequent uses of strong language.
• Strong Horror.
• Sexual Violence.
• Strong use of blood and gore.
• Discrimination towards races in language and behavior. 

R18

R18 is a special and restricted category they usually contain very explicit imagery such as sex or strong fetish material involving adults.These films are only allowed to be viewed in specially licenced cinemas and the videos are only allowed to be bought from liscenced shops. R18 videos are also not allowed to be sent threw the mail.