BBFC - British Board of Film Classification

Age Ratings

Universal (suitable for all) - a U film should be suitable for audiences aged four and above. It should set out reassuring counterbalances to any violence, horror or threatening scenes used in a film.

Drugs?
No references to illegal drugs or the misuse of drugs. only acceptable when teaching the message of anti drugs which is suitable for young children.

Discrimination?
No language or behavior connoting discrimination unless clearly disapproved of.

Language?
very mild language used infrequently only.

Nudity?
Natural nudity used occasionally, no nudity with reference to sexual activity.

Sex?
Very mild use of sexual behavior, for example kissing shown occasionally.

Violence?
Mild violence and threat shown, violence should always be resolved.

Horror?
Mild scenes of horror. The outcome should always be reassuring to young children

Parental Guidance - This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive children. 

Discrimination?
Discriminatory behavior or language is unlikely to be used, although it may be used in moderation if it is for an educational or historical reason.  

Drugs?
There may be extremely light reference to illegal drugs being used, however there should be no strong focus on this. In addition illegal drugs may be shown to promote an anti drug message. 

Language?
Mild inappropriate language used infrequently.

Horror?
A sequence showing horror should not be prolonged although mild horror moments and scary scenes may be shown.

Behavior?
Behavior that may be potentially dangerous which children might copy is not acceptable. No glamorization towards easily accessible weapons.

Nudity?
Natural nudity, no sexual content.

Sex?
Mild sexual activity may be applied, for example kissing. Mild sexual references acceptable.

Violence?
Moderate violence, with very little detail. may be justified by its content.

                       

Suitable for 12 years and over. - The 12A category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in the cinema unless accompanied by an adult. The A stands for accompanied and advisory. 

The 12 category exists only for video. No one under the age of 12 may buy a 12 rated video.

Drugs?
Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent. Drugs may be not be glamorized or give instructions.

Discrimination?
Discriminatory language or behavior should not be the main focus. discriminatory language or behavior shouldn't be acceptable unless it is condemned.

Horror?
Moderate physical and psychological threat may be acceptable as long as disturbing sequences are not too frequent.

sex?
Sexual references may be discreetly and briefly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers.

Behavior?
Dangerous behavior for example - suicide, self harming etc is acceptable in moderation but is should not be too detailed or focused upon. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorized.

Language?
Moderate language is acceptable. However frequent use of strong language must be infrequent. 

Nudity?
Nudity is acceptable, but if used in a sexual context, it should be discreet.

Violence?
Moderate violence is acceptable but should not focus on detail. There should be no emphasis on pain or injury. Sexual violence may only be applied briefly, and if so it should have a strong justification. 

 
Suitable for 15 years and over - No one younger than 15 is allowed to see a 15 rated film at the cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a video rated 15.

Behavior?
Potentially dangerous behavior which could be copied, for example: suicide, self harming etc should not dwell on detail.

Drugs?
Drug taking may be shown, but the film should not promote or even encourage drug misuse. The misuse of highly dangerous and harmful substances is unacceptable.

Discrimination?
There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language, however, the film as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behavior.

Horror?
Strong menace and threat is allowed, although it should not be sexualised or sadistic.

Sex?
There may be portrayal of sexual activity without strong activity. There may be strong verbal references made towards sexual behavior. The strongest references are only acceptable when justified by context.

Language?
There may be frequent use of the strongest language, (eg f***), the strongest terms may be acceptable if justified by context. 

Nudity?
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context, however it should be without strong detail. There are no constraints to nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. 

Violence?
Violence may be strong but should not dwell too much on the infliction of pain, however the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong, sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. Easy accessible weapons may not be glamorised. 

Films rated 18 are for adults only. No one under the age of 18 are allowed to watch an !8 rated film in the cinema, they are also not allowed to buy or rent a 18 rater film.


In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, the BBFC will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment.
However, cuts are occasionally made to 18 rated films and DVDs. Intervention is most likely in the following areas:

• Where the material is in breach of criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence.

• Where the material risks harm to individuals, or through their behavior to society, for example, acts which may harm public health.

• Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context.

There is no limit on the frequency of strong language allowed in 18 rated films.

There is no limit on the amount of sex and nudity allowed in a film rated 18, although very strong, crude and explicit sex references are permitted at 18.

There are no restrictions on the amount of violence allowed in this classification. 

The strongest horror works are passed at 18.

Sex works at 18
Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed 18. Those containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the R18 category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex work at 'R18' is also unacceptable in a sex work at 18.

This category is a legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults only. Films may only be shown in licensed cinemas, or to be sold to licensed sex shops. you can not receive a R18 rated video through mail order.