2. What is it for?
The classification categories are used to protect children from
unsuitable and harmful content or violence.
There has been an incident where Jamie Bulger was murdered
due to his killer being exposed to violent content in video
games.
Signs are used when films are advertised or distributed to give
information about the age restrictions. BBFC examine the films
and then age rates them before the release. They look at:
drugs, horror, nudity, sex, violent and behaviour which can be
easily imitable.
3. ‘U’ rated
This means that any age can watch.
However, it generally means 4 years
and above as a child younger than 4
may be easily bored and distracted
and therefore may cause disruption and disturb
the film for others.
4. ‘PG’ rated
This means that the film is not
unsuitable for children but must
have parental guidance when
watching a film rated ‘PG’. The
parents have to consider whether
the content may be upsetting to
their child.
5. ’12’ and ‘12A’ rated
This means that a child has
to be 12 years or above to
watch the film. The sign with
‘12’ on will generally be seen on
DVDs and mean that only 12
years or older can buy or rent this
film. Whereas a ‘12A’ rated film
will be shown in cinemas.
6. ’15’ rated
A 15 rated film means that only
individuals of 15 years and above can
watch the movie in cinemas, buy or rent
a film. This will be due to some violent
scenes or scenes which may cause
disturbance to those younger. However,
the scenes aren’t as harsh as those
rated ’18’.
7. ’18’ rated
This means that only those 18 years or
older can watch, buy or rent the film.
Adults are free to choose their own
entertainment and therefore there is no
boundary for them. A film will be rated ‘18’
if it contains a large amount of violence,
sex or nudity and how scary the film will
be and the effect it can have on those of
different ages.
8. ‘R18’ rated
It is a special and legally
restricted classification due to
the content of strong fetish
material or sex. These films may
only be shown in specially
licensed cinemas.
