BBFC - British Film Certificates

• The U symbol stands for universal
• it is suitable for children aged four and over
• only mild bad language is allowed in a U (damn, hell, bugger)
• no sexual activity is allowed however the characters may be allowed a kiss or a hug
• the film may have brief scenes in which the character is in danger however this is quickly resolved
• the violence that is seen will be balanced out by using humour or music
• Bad chracters can use guns but the film will not emphasis the use of the weapons - the good characters will not usually use weapons
• any behaviour that is seen as imitable behaviour will not be included in the film; along with dangerous behaviour.
• the film doesnt have to be child related, many adult films are rated U because they dont contain 'stong issues' i.e. drugs, sex, language. - for example Scrooge.
• If it is a childrens film the message will be about loyalty, honesty and friendship and will most likely include a happy ending
• there will be no references to drugs

• PG stands for parental guidance which means the film is suitable for general viewing
• the scenes should not disturb a child aged 8 or older - parents are responsible for considering if the content might upset their child or not
• not all PG films are made for a young audience - for example The Artist
• bullying will not be accepted
• smoking and drinking will be included however wont be promoted and will give the message that it is bad - this is the same with any drugs used, it will be shown as harmful.
• the language used in a PG is mild, words such as 'shit' however the context in which it is used has to be important
• references to sex are allowed within a PG only if the detail of the subject is small, the aim is for that the child not to understand the reference - comedy can be used to lower the impact of the reference
• in a PG violence shouldnt be in great detail, a small amount of blood is acceptable however how the blood got there will be in tiny detail.
• in a PG horror moments that are jumpy are allowed but the treat must not be carried out for long

• 12A - the A means accompanied, this means that anyone under the age of 12 must be accompanied by someone over 18.
• 12 is only used on videos and DVD's and 12A is only used in the cinema
• strong language may be used such as f*** however it can't be repetitive - moderate language can also be used such as 'bitch' or 'twat'
• sex can be portrayed in both 12/12A only with nudity but it must be brief
  
  and discreet
• in a 12A the violence is allowed but again not in much detail, no emphasis should take place on the injuries
• weapons may be present in a 12/12A however weapons that are accessible to a 12 year old are not glamorised
• sexual violence, rape and assault can only be used if they are brief and the context is justified
• Horrors are passed as a 12/12A only if the disturbing sequences are short
• hanging, suicide and self harming can be present if they are not in too much detail as otherwise could be copied

• Anyone under the age of 15 can see a 15 rated film or buy/rent a 15.
• 15's can include:
• strong violence - there is strong violence however it cant dweel on the pain, any gory images wont be allowed.
• frequent strong language (eg 'f***') as there is no upper limit, the word c*** can be used however not aggressively.
  
• portrayals of sexual activity as long as it is not graphic
• strong verbal references to sex - crude references will not be allowed
• sexual nudity - there is no limit on nudity
• brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
• discriminatory language or behaviour
• drug taking can be used however it shouldnt encourage drugs
• dangerous behaviour such as hanging, suicide and self-harming should not dwell on detail which could be copied

 

• Anyone under the age of 18 can not view an 18 film, buy or rent an 18
• some themes may be offensive even to some adults
• very strong violence
• frequent strong language (eg 'f***') and/or very strong language (eg ‘c***’), the language can be used aggressively.
• scenes of sexual violence - detail on  pain or injury,scenes of strong sadistic or sexual violence are allowed in an 18.
• strong horror - they contain strong horror, gore or sustained threat that isnt alloweded within an 18 boundary
• real sex (in some circumstances) - strong/detailed sex can be used in an 18 
• full nudity is allowed in an 18
• discriminatory language and behaviour - there can be language involving discriminatory, racist or homophobic though it must not break legislation.
• drug taking is permitted however it must not be encouraged
• dangerous or criminal behaviour may not be involved in the film as it could influence the audience.
• cuts are occasionally made to 18 rated films when they breach criminal law, there is a risk of harm to an individual, more explicit images