This document summarizes the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) rating system for films and videos in the United Kingdom. It explains the criteria for films rated U, PG, 12A, 15, and 18, outlining what types of content are acceptable at each rating level in terms of language, violence, sex, drug use and other themes. The ratings provide guidelines on issues that may disturb younger viewers to help parents decide what is appropriate for their children.

1. Classification
By Ashley Joseph

2. The U symbol stands for Universal and is suitable for audiences aged four years and over.
However, it is impossible to predict what things might upset a particular child because
we’re all different.
At U they only allow very mild bad language (e.g.. ‘damn’ and ‘hell’). Occasionally, bad
language such as ‘bloody’ or ‘bugger may be included.
Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual
behaviour (i.e. ‘making love’). Heterosexual and homosexual behaviour and activities are
treated the same, so occasionally there could be very mild references to gay or straight
sex.
They can include brief fight scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger and
there may be brief scary.
There will not normally be any references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse unless there is a
very clear anti-drugs or educational message which will be understood by the younger
audience,

3. PG stands for Parental Guidance and this means the film is suitable for general viewing,
but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should
not disturb a child aged around eight or older. It is up to the parents whether the content
could upset their younger/more sensitive children.
There may be mild bad language (such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’) in a PG film, but the
context and delivery are always important.
References to sex are acceptable if the activity talked about or shown is implied and is
lacking in detail. Children are unlikely to actually understand the reference.
There should be no detail of violence in a PG work, so while there might be some blood,
we would not see how the injury was inflicted. Violence is generally more acceptable in a
historical or fantasy setting, because its different from real life.
There may be passing references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse in a PG which may be
permissible if there is a clear anti-drugs or educational message likely to be understood by
children over eight.

4. 12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The A
stands for ‘accompanied’ and ‘advisory’. Children younger than 12 may see the film if they
are accompanied by an adult. The 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. 12A is
for films at the cinema only. The BBFC's Guidelines state that there may be strong language
(e.g. 'fuck') at 12 or 12A, but it must be infrequent. The context of the strong language is
important. Aggressive uses of strong language may result in a film or DVD being placed at
the 15 category. Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12 or 12A. Verbal sex
references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. At 12A, moderate
violence is allowed but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on
injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if they can be justified by
their context (for example brief sight of bloody injury in a medical drama). Sexual
violence, such as scenes of rape or assault, may only be implied or briefly and discreetly
indicated at 12A. Such scenes must also have a strong contextual justification. Some horror
films are passed at this category. Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at
12 or 12A as long as disturbing sequences are not too frequent or sustained.

5. No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD. 15
rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age.
Yes. 15 works are stronger than 12 or 12A rated works and could include any of the following:
• Strong violence
• Frequent strong language (e.g. 'fuck').
• Portrayals of sexual activity
• Strong verbal references to sex
• Sexual nudity
• Brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
• Discriminatory language or behaviour
• Drug taking
There could potentially be a great deal of strong language. There is no upper limit on the
number of uses of strong language. There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory
language, and the work could explore themes relating to this. At 15 sexual activity can be
portrayed, as long as there is no strong or graphic detail. At 15 drug taking may be shown but
the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

6. Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or
buy/rent an 18 rated DVD. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.
18 works are for adults and can contain strong issues such as:
• Very strong violence
• Frequent strong language (e.g. 'fuck') and/or very strong language (e.g. ‘c***’)
• Strong portrayals of sexual activity
• Scenes of sexual violence
• Strong horror
• Strong blood and gore
• Real sex (in some circumstances)
• Discriminatory language and behaviour
There is no limit on the number of uses of strong (e.g. 'fuck') or even very strong language (e.g
.‘cunt’) which can be passed at 18. Uses could be aggressive, directed, frequent or
accompanied by strong violence. There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory
language at 18, and the work could explore themes relating to this. There can be strong and
detailed portrayals of sex at 18, including full nudity. There are no constraints on nudity in a
non-sexual or educational context. At 18 violence can be strong and be portrayed with strong
detail. There may even be dwelling on the infliction of pain or injury, or scenes of strong
sadistic or sexual violence.