The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent non-governmental organization that has classified films in the UK since 1912. The BBFC classifies films, videos, DVDs, and video games to provide age ratings and consumer advice. It aims to allow adults freedom of choice while protecting children and society from potentially harmful content. The BBFC uses a rating system of Universal, PG, 12A, 15, and 18 to provide guidance on the appropriate audience for different media based on content like violence, threat, horror, or inappropriate language.

1. The British board of film classification

2. What is the BBFC? BBFC stands for The British Board of Film Classification. It is an independent, non-governmental body which has classified cinema films since it was set up in 1912. The videos and DVDs act was set up since the Video Recordings Act was passed in 1984. The BBFC is a highly expert and experienced regulator of the moving image (especially film, video/DVD and video games) and it is also a service provider for new and developing media.

3. What the BBFC do? The BBFC regulates not just as a statutory designated authority but also because they serve a socially useful function. Through the efficient classification of the moving image into advisory and age-related categories, the provision of consumer advice and the maintenance of their archive: - They give the public information that empowers them to make appropriate viewing decisions for themselves and those in their care. They help to protect vulnerable viewers and society from the effects of viewing potentially harmful or unsuitable content while respecting adult freedom of choice. - They provide media industries with the security and confidence of cost-effective, publicly trusted regulation and help to protect providers of moving image content from inadvertent breaches of UK law. - They are able to assist Trading Standards officers in their enforcement role.

4. Classifications of age-related categories: Universal – Suitable for all It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. If a work is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice.

5. General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children. Parental Guidance

6. Suitable for 12 years and over These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them. The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult.

7. Suitable only for 15 years and over No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema and no one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

8. Suitable only for adults No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s 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.