The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent body that rates films, videos, DVDs, Blu-rays, and video games released in the UK. It outlines criteria for 6 age-based rating categories - Universal, Parental Guidance, 12A, 12, 15, and 18 - that restrict the content allowed based on themes, language, violence, sex, and drug use depicted. The most restrictive 18 and R18 ratings are only for adults over age 18 and contain strong or explicit sexual content.

1. BBFC Certifications
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent,
non-governmental body funded through the fees it charges to those
who submit films and video works for classification. Here, and
throughout the Guidelines, video works are taken to include video
games, and films and programmes released on DVD or Blu-ray, or
distributed by means of download or streaming on the internet.

2. Universal- Suitable for all
-No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless they are
infrequent and harmless.
-Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely.
-No possible dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to
copy.
-Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.
-Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.
-Mild sexual behaviour
-While problematic themes may be present, their treatment must be
sensitive and appropriate.
-Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only.

3. Parental Guidance
-To be watched with a parent aged around 8
-Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely acceptable unless
clearly disapproved.
-No References to illegal drugs.
-No Frightening scenes
-No dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy.
-Mild bad language only.
-Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
-Sexual activity may be implied.
-Where more serious issues are featured nothing should condone unacceptable
behaviour.
-Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed.

4. -Exactly the same criteria are used to classify ‘12A’ and ‘12’
-The ‘12A’ category only for cinema
-No younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless with an adult.
-No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’
-Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be permitted
-Aggressive/moderate language/behaviour is unlikely acceptable.
-Misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not give detail.
-Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail which could be copied.
-Nudity and sexual activity, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.
-Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail.

5. -No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema.
-No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.
-must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.
-Drug taking may be shown but not promote or encourage drug misuse.
-Horror scenes are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.
-Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail which could be copied
-frequent use of strong language/repeated use is unlikely to be acceptable.
-Nudity/sexual activity may be allowed in a sexual context without strong
detail.
-Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or
injury.

6. -No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema.
-No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.
-An 18 may contain strong drug use, strong language, strong horror or
scenes of a strong sexual nature.
-R18 (Restricted 18) is confined for sexual imagery such as explicit sex,
fetish scenes, or other strong sexual images and footage. This applies
mostly to sexual films designed to stimulate an audience.
-To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in
licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years

7. Suitable for
15+
Conclusion of Categories Suitable for
adults only
General viewing,
some scenes may
be unsuitable for
young children
Suitable for all
Suitable for 12+ no
on younger than 12
can see a 12A unless
accompanied by an
adult