2. For a film to be classified as a 15, it must follow
certain guidelines that have been set out by the
British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). No-
one younger than 15 is allowed to see a 15 film
in a cinema, buy or rent it.

3. The guidelines are as follows:
- Discrimination – the work must not endorse discriminatory language
or behaviour
- Drugs – drugs taking may be shown in the film, but cannot
promote/encourage drug misuse
- Horror – strong threat and menace are allowed, unless sexualised or
sadistic
- Imitable behaviour – dangerous behaviour (e.g. hanging, suicide)
should not be copied or glamorised
- Language – frequent use of strong language is allowed and stronger
term may be acceptable if justified in the context.
- Nudity – May be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail
- Sex - Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There
may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest
references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context
- Theme – no theme is prohibited as long as it is appropriate for 15 year
olds
- Violence – can be strong but not dwell on the infliction of pain or
injury.

4. After the BBFC conducted public consultations and the
Human Rights Act 1998 at ‘18’ the
BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the
principle that adults should be free to choose their own
entertainment.
However, there are exceptions:
- Where the material breaches criminal law/has been
created through a criminal offence
- The material appears to risk harm to individuals or
society through their behaviour e.g. illegal drug use,
dangerous acts
- Where there are more explicit images of sexual
activity which cannot be justified by context