The BBFC document outlines their film and video content rating categories from most restrictive to least restrictive. The categories are U (Universal), PG (Parental Guidance), 12, 12A, 15, 18, and R18. Each category description provides guidelines around acceptable levels of themes such as discrimination, drugs, horror, language, nudity, sex, violence and imitable behaviors that may be depicted. The most restrictive categories allow for only mild or discreet depictions while the least restrictive categories may contain strong depictions but within legal bounds.

1. BBFC – THE CATEGORIES
By Joynul

2. U - UNIVERSAL
This category is suitable for all. A U film should be suitable for audiences
aged four years and over.
Discrimination: None at all
Drugs: no reference to any illegal drugs or drug use
Horror: scary sequences will be minor, mild and brief
Imitable Behaviour: No potentially dangerous behaviour which children could
copy
Language: some use of very mild language is acceptable
Nudity: some natural nudity with no sexual content
Sex: Mild References such as kissing acceptable
Theme: must be appropriate for young children
Violence: mild violence acceptable

3. PG – PARENTAL GUIDANCE
Some scenes may be unsuitable for children which is why parental guidance is required, it
should not disturb a child around eight or older, parents are advised to consider whether
the content will affect the children
Discrimination: it is unacceptable unless a child can readily identify it as unacceptable
Drugs: references made must be portraying anti-drug use and innocuous
Horror: it can be used but not prolonged or intense
Imitable Behaviour: no dangerous behaviour which young children or likely to copy, no
representation of easily accessible weapons
Language: mild bad language can be used
Nudity: natural nudity is acceptable with no sexual reference
Sex: it can be implied but only discreet and infrequent references
Theme: This is where more serious issues are features, nothing should condone
unacceptable behaviour though
Violence: moderate violence is acceptable but without detail

4. 12 & 12A
When a piece of media is classed 12 it is only suitable for people of ages 12 and over, a 12A
allows a child under 12 to watch if accompanied by an adult. A child under 12 could not
however buy a 12A
Discrimination: it should not be endorsed by the work
Drugs: any misuse should be infrequent and not glamorised
Horror: moderate physical and psychological threats are permitted
Imitable Behaviour: dangerous behaviour should not be shown in detail or dwell on
Language: moderate language is acceptable but only infrequently
Nudity: nudity is allowed but can only briefly show sexual content and must be discreet
Sex: it may be brief and discreetly shown, it should not go beyond the point where it is
unsuitable
Theme: mature themes are acceptable but they must be suitable for young teenagers
Violence: moderate violence is allowed, no emphasis on injuries but occasional gory content
is allowed

5. 15 – ONLY SUITABLE FOR 15 YEARS
AND OVER
No-one under the age of 15 can see the film or a buy a 15 video work
Discrimination: overall it must not encourage discriminatory language or
behaviour
Drugs: drug taking can be shown, but must not encourage drug misuse
Horror: strong threats are permitted unless sexualised and sadistic
Imitable Behaviour: dangerous behaviour can be used
Language: there can be frequent use of strong language
Nudity: it is allowed in a sexual content but without strong detail
Sex: strong verbal references to sex can be used and sexual activity if used should
be portrayed without strong detail
Theme: no themes are restricted along as it is appropriate for 15 year olds
Violence: there may be strong detail but should not dwell, really strong gory
images can not be used

6. 18 -SUITABLE ONLY FOR ADULTS
At 18 a person is free is choose their own entertainment. There are however
exceptions in the following areas:
When the material is in breach of the criminal law
When the material appears to risk harm to individuals through their behaviour
Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which would only be
appropriate in a R18

7. R-18 - EXPLICIT WORKS
To be only shown in specially licensed cinemas and in sex shops.
R18 video footage is not allowed to be supplied through mail order.
This category is special and classifies explicit material which would involve sex
and fetish material involving adults.
An material which can encourage sexually abusive activity is not acceptable.
Also the material can not be breaking the law and promoting the infliction of
pain or acts which can cause lasting physical harm, or make anyone perform
any sexual threats or try cause violence or physical harm through penetration.