All classification decisions are based on the BBFC’s published and regularly updated Guidelines. The Guidelines are the product of extensive public consultation, research and the accumulated experience of the BBFC over many years. They reflect current views on film, DVD and video game regulation.
1. U classification
The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range
- no reference to drug using
- The BBFC's Guidelines state that there may be strong language (eg 'f***') at 12 or 12A, but it must be infrequent
1. U classification
The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range
- particularly suitable for the pre-school children
- only allow very mild bad language (eg ‘damn’ and ‘hell’)
- Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual behaviour (ie to ‘making love’). However, there will be no overt focus on sexual behaviour, language or innuendo
- may include brief fight scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger. However, moments of emotional stress or threat will be quickly resolved and the outcome will be reassuring.
There may be brief scary scenes and moments where the characters are placed in danger.
- no reference to drug using
2. PG classification
PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content might upset younger or 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 lacking in detail
- 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 in strong detail
- There might be innocuous or passing references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse in a PG work, although there should be no strong focus on this.
3. 12A and 12 classification
- References to sex are acceptable if the activity talked about or shown is implied and lacking in detail
- 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 in strong detail
- There might be innocuous or passing references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse in a PG work, although there should be no strong focus on this.
3. 12A and 12 classification
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 (eg someone over the age of 18), who must watch the film with them.
What's the difference between 12 and 12A?
The 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. 12A is for films at the cinema only.
- Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12 or 12A. Verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers
- Action sequences and weapons may be present at 12 or 12A, and there may be long fight scenes or similar
- 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
4. 15 classification
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.
- 15 works are stronger than 12 or 12A rated works and could include any of the following:
- strong violence
- frequent strong language (eg 'f***').
- 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
5. 18 classification
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 (eg 'f***') and/or very strong language (eg ‘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
6. 18R Classification
The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. ‘R18’ videos may not be supplied by mail order.
- R18 works are sex works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation and which are only allowed to be shown in specially licensed cinemas, or sold in licensed sex shops. They can only be seen by or sold to adults.
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