2. • The British board of film classification (BBFC)
is an independent non-governmental
organisation which classifies films that are
distributed in the UK. It also classifies
DVDs, videos and video games all under the
video recordings Act 2010. However the BBFC
guidelines is not a legal document so they
must check that they meet rights such as the
human rights Act, licensing and video
recording acts etc before classifying anything.
3. • From the BBFC website they believe it is their mission to:
• Protect the public, most importantly children from harmful
content
• Empower public; especially parents to make informed viewing
choices
• Recognise and respect adult freedom of choice within the law
respond to and reflect changing social attitudes towards media
content through proactive public consultation and research
• provide a cost-effective, efficient classification service within our
statutory remit
• work in partnership with the industry to develop innovative
service models to provide content advice which support
emerging media delivery systems
• provide an effective service to enforcement agencies
4. Guidelines:
• Guidelines are put in order by BBFC examiners to decide what
type of viewing material is suitable for what type of age range
(U, PG, 12A or 12,15,18).
• U stands for universal(suitable for all viewers).
• They are suitable for children from the age of four. There is very
little violence in the film, if any and it should show that
everything turns out ok at the end of the film.
• There should be very mild bad language used in the film.
• There should be no references to drugs, sexual activity-kissing
being the mildest form of sexual activity, no reference to
weapons that are realistic and easy to get hold of and no
discrimination is allowed (no language or behaviour should be
shown that could offend a persons race, culture, religion, colour).
5. Guidelines (cntd)
• PG stands for parental guidance which can be viewed by any
age, however some scenes may be unsuitable for children.
• It should not disturb children who are 8 and over.
• Themes and topics- more mature topics may be introduced in
the film such as bullying, crime, racism. However it should be
shown that none of these are good things.
• Again only mild bad language is allowed and there should be
no focus on weapons shown that are easy to get hold of or are
realistic.
• There can be stronger violence shown in the film than a U film
as long as its not shown in detail.
• There should not be any mention of illegal drugs in the film
unless its for a good purpose and is harmless or carries an
anti-drug message
6. Guidelines- 12/12A
• The 12A is for films that are suitable for children at the age of
12 and over. However children under the age of 12 may still
see an 12/12A film as long as they are accompanied with an
adult.
• Mature themes are acceptable as long as they are suitable for
young teenagers. Anything inappropriate such as the use of
drugs, sex and violence can be shown as long as its discreet
and not shown in detail.
• 12A is for films shown at the cinema and children must be 12
and over.
• 12 is for DVDs and videos and no one younger than 12 can
buy/rent a 12 DVD.
7. Guidelines- 15.
• Films are suitable for the ages of 15 and over.
Anyone aged 15 and above can view an 15
rated film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15
rated DVD.
• Sexual activity can be shown in more detail.
• There is little restriction on 15 films, except
that gory, sexual and sadistic images shouldn't
be shown.
8. Guidelines- 18.
• 18 means that the film is only suitable for
adults(aged 18 or above).
• There are clear images of sex, sexual activity
and nudity (strong fetish material).
• Use of harmful drugs are shown which could
lead to harm of public morals.
• There is much more stress on sex rather than
violence and actions.
