The BBFC is an independent organization funded by the film industry that regulates age ratings for films and some video games in the UK. It was established in 1912 so that the film industry could self-regulate content rather than having government censorship. The BBFC rates films and games for appropriate age groups and can require edits or cuts to content it deems inappropriate. It assigns ratings like U, PG, 12A, 15, and 18 that determine who can view or purchase films and games based on their content like violence, language, sex, and drug use.

1. The BBFC Is a independent organisation which is funded by the film
industry and it is tasked with all of the national regulation of all of the
films. It was established in 1912 as the film industry would rather have
their own industry censoring the films that they make rather than a
government or a government run corporation running their censorship
for them. Its main purpose is to rate the age ratings on all of the films
that are being developed in to DVD’s so that people of the suitable age
are watching them. They are also responsible for some video games
too. If a game has a specific theme such as Grand Theft Auto then it
must be submitted to the BBFC so that they can regulate it
appropriately for suitable players. Although if a game does contain
violence and the like then it is really The Video Standards Council that
holds responsibility for the rating of those games. The BBFC can also
cut scenes in films and games that they don’t deem as appropriate for
viewers or gamers and could potentially harm them or affect them.

2. Means that anyone may watch this film whenever they like. Although
some scenes may be sensitive for younger viewers. But technically
anyone can go and watch this film. It also means that they can buy
this film in whatever store they like because they are the correct age.
The same goes for U rated films which anyone can buy. Hence the
Universal rating as anyone can buy it without having to use their ID.

3. The 12A rating was introduced in 2002. It is classified for Cinema
Viewing Only.
Films in this category are considered to be unsuitable for very young
people. People aged 12 or under may only be permitted to watch a
12A film if accompanied by someone who is at least 18 years of age.
Films under this category can have mature themes such as
discrimination, soft drugs, moderate swear words, infrequent strong
language and moderate violence, sex references and nudity. So you
can see why it is 12A so essentially it is all dependant on the
accompanying adult with them to whether or not the film is suitable
for the child with them in their own opinion.

4. 12 rated films are only really applied to the purchasing of a DVD as it
was only bought in to the industry in 2002 for DVD’s. This rating
means that only people aged 12 or over are able to actually partake in
the purchasing of a movie rated 12.
It’s content for films with this rating is exactly the same as films rated
12A so It would be , discrimination, soft drugs, moderate swear
words, infrequent strong language and moderate violence, sex
references and nudity. Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly
portrayed. Sexual violence may be implied or briefly indicated.

5. All of these films are rated 12 or they were rated 12A when
they were being shown in the cinema. This means that an
adult had to accompany them if they wanted to go and see
a film that was showing in the cinema if they were under
the age of 12.

6. 15 rated films are films that people who are under the age of 15 years
of age cannot purchase a 15 rated film due to the content in the movie.
The same goes when viewing the film in the cinema. The Content
inside a 15 rated film usually has a lot more adult related
themes, hard drugs, frequent strong language and limited use of very
strong language, strong violence and strong sex references, and
nudity without graphic detail. Sexual activity may be portrayed but
without any strong detail. Sexual violence may be shown if discreet
and justified by context.

7. All of these films are rated under the 15 rating meaning that in the
cinema you have to be this age or above to be able to watch this film.
The same goes for if you are attempting to purchase a 15 rated film in
any store sometimes you may be required to show ID when purchasing
a 15 rated film.

8. Only Adults are permitted to buy an 18 rated film, you also have to be
18 years old to be able to get in to the cinema to watch an 18 rated
film. Games are also categorised within these ratings too. You have to
be above the age shown to purchase that game or movie. Films under
this category do not have limitation on the bad language that is used.
Hard drugs are generally allowed, and explicit sex references along
with detailed sexual activity are also allowed. Scenes of strong real
sex may be permitted if justified by the context. Very strong, gory,
and/or sadistic violence is usually permitted. Strong sexual violence
is permitted unless it is eroticised or excessively graphic.