Film Classification Guidelines Of A U

The BBFC are the company that have the job of rating all films in Britain. There are five different types of classification:

1) U

U stands for Universal and is suitable for any one over the age of 4. Any film or video with a U should raise no significant issues in terms of discrimination, drugs, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, threat or violence. U will only allow frequent use of mild bad language such as damn and hell. In U characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there maybe references to sexual behaviour but there will be no over focus on sexual behaviour, language or innuendo. Violence will very mild characters mat carry or use weapons but there will be no enfaces on these.        

Film Classification Guidelines Of A PG

2) PG

PG stands for parental guidance meaning is suitable for general viewing, but senses maybe unsuitable for younger viewers. PG films will not include any themes that are unsuitable for a child. There maybe mild language such as s**t or son of a b***h, but if it is used aggressively or frequently then you would have to move up a category. Sex references are unlikely unless they are not detailed and infrequent, so if the child doesn't understand the reference then PG is allowed. Violence will usually be mild so there will be no detailed violence in PG. There may be passing references to illegal drugs but there must not be any strong focus on it and on top of that there must be an educational message behind that.            

Film Classification Guidelines Of A 12A

3) 12A

This generally contains material that is not suitable for children under the age of 12. The difference between 12 and 12A is that if the child is over the age of 12 then they need a adult to watch with them in the cinema. And if it is a 12 then it is just for people over the age of 12 and no adult is required. The language that is allowed in 12As are words like f**k, but it depends on the matter in which it is used, who is using the language its frequency and any special context or justification aggressive use of this word may result in the film being moved up into a 15 category. Sex maybe briefly and discreetly portrayed, verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for a young teenager. Moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on detail. Dangerous behaviour maybe permitted but cannot dwell on detail, which could lead to children copying such actions. Anti-social behaviour should not be endorsed.                

Film Classification Guidelines Of A 15

4) 15

No one under the age of 15 is allowed to watch these films, no film is prohibited provided it is appropriate for 15 year olds. 15 may contain strong violence, frequent strong language such as the F word, portrayal sexual activity, strong verbal reference to sex, sexual nudity, some senses of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence, discriminatory language or behaviour and drug taking. There isn't a boundary to what kind of bad language should be used but however continued aggressive use will have to pass as 18. There maybe racist, homophobic or discriminatory language but the film as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. Sexual activity can be partied but usually without strong detail, some sex senses may be long. Sexual violence must be justified by the context.                  

Film Classification Guidelines Of A 18

5) 18

18 is for adults only, no film is prohibited adults are allowed to choice their own entertainment provided the material is not illegal, it may contain very strong violence, strong portrayals of sexual activity, themes of sexual violence, strong horror, strong blood and gore, real sex, and discriminatory language and behaviour. There are no limits on strong language used, violence or sex.