Film certificates

Before films get published for the public to see at cinemas they must go through BBFC (British film board of film classification). BBFC was founded in 1912 by the film industry and is responsible for the national classification and censorship of films shown at cinemas. There are 6 different ratings that films can be given.

U stands for Universal, meaning films rated U should be suitable for children aged 4 and up. Although every child is different so its worth checking the ratings info.

PG stands for Parental Guidance. Anyone can watch the film however is different to a U rated film as children under 8 might find something about the film upsetting or parents may think some of the content is unsuitable for younger children. 

12A films only relate to films in cinemas, any child under 12 must be accompanied with an adult because the content can be unsuitable for a child under 12. It is the adults decision if they decide the film is suitable for the 12 or under child.

12A and 12 rated films have the same viewing restrictions, however the main difference between the two is that a 12 rated film is a simpler system for retailers as 12A is only for cinemas.

No one younger then 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 should rent or buy a 15 rated video work. 

No one younger then 18 should see an 18 rated film in the cinema and no one younger then 18 should rent or buy an 18 rated video work. As 18 rated films include sex works, where there primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Therefore can be unsuitable for people younger then 18.

The reason films have these ratings for specific age is because films can include inappropriate behaviour  such as, 

Dangerous Behaviour- Examples of dangerous behaviour are suicide, self-harm and asphyxiation. 

Discrimination- The work must not show discriminatory language or behaviour, although there may be racist, homophobic, or other discriminatory themes and language

Drugs- Drug taking can be shown but should not promote or encourage drug misuse. 

Language- Films may include strong language. Strong language may be permitted, depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language and the frequency of strong language used.

Nudity- There are no restrictions on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. Sexual nudity may be permitted but strong detail is likely to be brief or shown in a comic context.

Sex- Sexual activity may be shown but usually without strong detail. There can be strong references to sexual behaviour. Although very strong references which include pornographic language, are unlikely to be acceptable. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal are unacceptable. 

Sexual Violence and sexual threat- There may be strong references to sexual violence but any depiction of the stronger forms of sexual violence, including rape, must not be detailed or prolonged. A strong focus on  sexual threat is unacceptable 

Threat and Horror- A strong focus on sadistic threat is unlikely to be acceptable 

Violence- Violence can be strong but shouldn't dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic violence is also unlikely to be acceptable.