The document outlines the film classification system used by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). It describes the various ratings from U ("Universal") to R18 and what types of content each rating allows. A U rating is suitable for all ages but prohibits bad language, sexual content, or distressing scenes. PG introduces mild violence and discretion is left to parents. 12A allows some strong language or discreet sexual references. Higher ratings of 15 and 18 permit increasingly strong language, violence, sexual or abusive content, but R18 is limited to licensed venues due to explicit pornography.

1. Film Classification
As handled by the BBFC

2. U for “Universal”
• U is the rating given to a movie suitable for anyone.
• Sexuality: No sexual themes beyond innocent kissing is allowed
within a U rated movie.
• Language: Bad or abusive language is not allowed within
reason, such words as
• Any intense scene must result in a reassurance, e.g the good
guy wins in the end, so as not to cause small children distress.

3. PG for “Parent Guidance”
• PG is the rating given to a slightly more objective movie age range,
where it is up to the parents/guardians of young children to decide
whether or not they should watch it.
• The themes will still be appropriate for children.
• Dangerous or antisocial behaviour may still be included within
reason.
• Violence would be fairly mild and is usually the factor that may
question a higher rating.
• Sex themes are allowed as long as they are very infrequent, this is
seen a safe for child viewing as they won’t understand or question it.
If a sexual reference would risk being recognized, the film won’t
make the cut to a PG.

4. 12 and 12A
• This rating is suitable for anyone aged 12 and over.
• 12A stands for 12 “Accompanied”, meaning someone under 12 may view
the movie if accompanied by an adult.
• 12A is only used in cinemas, as regulating such things are hard in a
household. This leaves the responsibility of managing this to the cinema
staff.
• 12/12A allow a small amount of strong language. This may vary depending
on the context, who is saying it and the aggression.
• Discrimination or discriminative language is not permitted in a 12/12A,
unless very clearly condemned.
• Moderate violence and dangerous behaviour(drug use, suicide, etc) is
allowed as long as explicit detail is not shown or explored.
• Sexual references may pass if it is discreet and is not widely featured.

5. 15
• Any movie with a 15 raging cannot be view in a cinema, bought
or rented by anyone under 15.
• 15’s are allowed to include; strong violence, strong language,
discriminative behaviour or language, brief nudity, sexual
abuse, and drug use.
• Over use of strong language may raise the rating out of a 15.
• Risk of influencing younger viewers are considered, for example
the promotion of drug use.
• Verbal sexual abuse may be easier to accept within reason.
Physical abuse however may be more critically considered.

6. 18 and R18
• 18 and R18 have the least restrictions.
• Both may contain heavy swearing, sex, violence, discrimination,
etc.
• The difference between them are that a movie may be rated
R18 if it contains full blown pornography or extreme fetishes.
• R18’s are only allowed to be viewed or bought in specially
licenced cinema’s and stores.