The BBFC classifies films in the UK based on their content. Examiners consider elements like discrimination, drug use, horror, nudity, sex, violence and their effect on the audience to determine the appropriate rating. Higher ratings restrict viewing and purchasing access to older audiences. The document then outlines the specific content allowed under each rating, from U (universal) to 18R (restricted 18), with more adult or graphic content permitted at higher rating levels.

1. BBFC – British Board Film Classification
Emma Thomson

2. What is the BBFC?
BBFC is where examiners are looking at the content of films to judge what
classification they fall into. To classify the films, the examiners will take into
consideration what the content includes which could essentially be:
Discrimination, Drug usage, Horror, Nudity, Sex, Sexual Violence, adult
themes and the graphicness of the violence included. It is all in relation to
how it makes the audience feel as to what the classification will fall under.
Not only this, but they have to consider how easily accessed this media is
to a variety of ages – Depending on the format, there can be a high risk of
people watching the films underage, especially in the case of DVD’s.

3. Universal Rating
‘U’ stands for universal, which is essentially where the content of the film is going
to be suitable for every audience to watch, but is most likely aimed at 4 and
above, to not risk upsetting younger children. These films are likely to be
considered family films so they are giving out an overall positive message to
younger children. From this it is evident that you can say there is no discrimination
included, if there is references to drugs, it is likely to be an Anti-drug message that
will put younger children off the idea if they actually understand what is going on.
Additionally there is no other adult themes included in these films and where
there is violence is it likely to be mild and used for the comedy effect.

4. Parental Guidance Rating
‘PG’ stands for Parental Guidance. This means generally it is suitable for
most audiences, however not in the case of younger children as it might
unsettle them. PG films are aged according to the BBFC classification as
around 8 years or older, and under this should then be accompanied by a
parent, as they may be sensitive to the material. There is an unlikely hood
that the film is going to included discrimination, drugs or adult behaviour
that is largely understood by younger audiences, it would have to be
innuendos.

5. 12A And 12
12A and 12 films are evidently not suitable for anyone under the age of 12.
In regards to the cinema, no one under the specific age rating will be
allowed access unless accompanied by a parent. However the parent will
still be advised of the content included within the film and may be
influenced to reconsider their decision. The cinema rules apply in stores
and purchasing the content – There is a large empathises on the idea that
no one under the age can purchase the content what so ever. With the
content there are able to: Include drugs but not glamourize the idea of it,
include discreet sexual content and they are able to include violence and
strong language, just not frequently.

6. 15
Again this film is aimed to be for people aged 15 and over, in addition to
this no one under the age is able to purchase or view the content included
in the media. Again drug usage can be shown, dangerous behaviour can
also be shown (self-harming, suicide and hanging) and there can be strong
language used. Nudity can be included as long as it is not with strong
detail. Sexual activity specifically can again be included but again not with
strong detail. Then pain and violence category can be strong but isn’t
allowed to specifically zoom in on infliction of the pain or the injury itself.

7. 18
Films rated 18 are strictly specified to be suitable for adults only. No one
under the age of 18 is allowed to view the content. Within the film, there is
allowed to be vivid sexual material that either provides the purpose of
informing or educating the viewer into the idea of safe sex meaning sexual
activity is permitted. Following on from this, there is the whole genre of Sex
work in which it provides sexual arousal/stimulation to the viewer and this is
always rated 18+ as it features actual sexual material that goes into a large
depth of detail.

8. 18R
18R stands for restricted 18. The content in this media is only allowed to be
shown in either licensed cinemas, supplied and licensed sex shops and
strictly to adults only. Similar to the 18 rating, this rating focuses on the
explicit works of Sex and fetish materials.