The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is responsible for classifying and censoring films shown in UK cinemas and on television based on their content. Films are rated using an age rating system from U to 18. The BBFC examines each film and assigns it a rating based on factors like violence, language, drug use, and nudity. This ensures children and teenagers can only view films appropriate for their age. Common examples of films for each rating are provided. In the end, the BBFC system aims to allow all age groups access to entertainment while protecting younger viewers from potentially unsuitable content.

1. The British board of film classification (BBFC)
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), previously the British Board of Film Censors,
is a non-governmental organization, founded by the film industry in 1912 and responsible
for the national classification and censorship of films exhibited at cinemas and video works
(such as television programmers, trailers, adverts, public Information/campaigning films,
menus).
The BBFC must be used before films are allowed to be released for the public audience to
watch. The films must go through regulations of an age rating and what is suitable for an
age rating for the audience. They do this by submitting their films to the BBFC and the BBFC
examiners assess the film and will take notes. This will then lead to a final decision in which
category that film belongs in. There are 8 different categories the film can go into. These 8
categories are Universal (U), Parental Guidance (PG), 12A, 12, 15, 18 (Adults) and r18 which
can only be shown in licensed cinemas. Also these categories include drugs, discrimination,
language, nudity, sex and violence.
U:
U means that any person is able to access a film when it is on at the cinema or being
broadcasted. If a film is in the U category, this means it is also suitable for younger children.
This also means that there is no discrimination involved no bad language and no harm that
may scare young children. An example of a U rated film is Disney’s the Princess and the Frog
as it is suitable for all audiences, including young children. This is because of its positive
content and how it is appealing to younger children.
PG:
PG means parental guidance. Parental guidance means that any films in this category are
acceptable for viewing. However there may also be some scenes that may be upsetting to
children, therefore parental guidance is needed. PG will allow some bad language, but
parental guidance is still advised. There may also be some scenes that include threat or
violence but they will also be very mild, short and moderate. An example of a PG film is
Titanic. This film does show some violence which is short and moderate and does have some
moderated nudity.
12A:
12A means suitable for children aged 12 and over. However, people younger than 12 may
see a 12A so long as they are accompanied by an adult. In such circumstances, responsibility
for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult. Some issues for a
12A are the themes because mature themes are allowed. Also the language must be
infrequent and racist language and abuse is not allowed. Another issue that may occur is
imitable techniques which include suicide, drugs and horror. An example of a 12A is Harry

2. potter because it can interest the older viewers but also appropriate for the younger
viewers too.
12:
12 is a film rated movies that are not suitable for children younger than 12. 12 is similar to a
12A however, there is not violence, bad language and no horror that may scare young
children. An example of a 12 rated film is the Lego movie as it is colourful and positive for
the children.
15:
15 means that a film is suitable for people who are 15 and over 15 are allowed to watch the
15 rated film. This means anyone under the age of 15 cannot watch the film. If a film is
rated a 15, this means they may be violence, racist themes and drugs. However if this is
shown, they are not able to encourage their audience the idea of drugs and abuse.
Weapons may also be used in the film and nudity and sex will also be included. An example
of a rated 15 film is Dirty dancing, which does include nudity and sex.
18:
If a film is rated 18, this means that no one younger than 18 should not be allowed to watch
a film. This means there are restrictions that are set for adult restrictions which also suggest
there is no restriction on the content that is shown in the film. An example of a rated 18 film
is 50 shades darker because there are no restrictions throughout the films content.
To conclude, BFFC has got rating for films so young children do not end up watching a film
that is not appropriate for their age. It is also allowing teenagers to watch the correct
content that is suitable for their age. The BBFC set limits and requirements for the age rating
based on public opinions. The film makers can also need to consider their target audience
and making sure the content they are making is also for the correct rating so their target
audience can watch the film.