Research: BBFC

What is it?

The BBFC Stands for British Board of Film Classification, it is an independent, non-governmental body which is in charge of classifying all films since it was set up in 1912 and video/DVD 'since the video recordings acts was passed in 1984

The Categories

The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work. Mature themes are acceptable with moderate language and nudity, sexual activity may be briefly portrayed but frequent references may be seen as unacceptable 

Suitable for only 15 years and older, drug use may be incorporated but may not be encouraged, horror can be acceptable as threat or menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexual there should not be imitable behavior, there may be use of strong language, nudity and sexual activity may be allowed in sexual content but without strong detail.

No-one younger than 18 can see a film with an 18 certificate The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the

BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override

the principle that adults should be free to choose their

own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the

following areas:

• where the material is in breach of the criminal law,

or has been created through the commission of a

criminal offense

• where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to

risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour,

to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of

violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use,

which may cause harm to public health or morals.

This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised

violence which might, for example, eroticise or

endorse sexual assault

• where there are more explicit images of sexual

activity which cannot be justified by context. Such

images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in

‘sex works’ (see below)

R18 are restricted 18 films to be shown only in licensed cinemas or supplied only in licensed sex shops the R18 category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults

General viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message. Scary sequences should be mild brief and unlikely to cause undue anxiety to children, no potential dangerous behavior which children are likely to imitate, infrequent use of only mild bad language. Occasional natural nudity, mild sexual behavior (kissing or references to "Making love") 

Discriminatory language or behavior may not be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in context. References to illegal drugs must be innocuous or carry an anti-drug message

No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which

young children are likely to copy. No glamorisation

of realistic or easily accessible weapons. Mild bad language only, sexual activity may be implied but should be discreet and infrequent