The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) catagorizes the main issues into the above catagories. The following information set out guidelines such as violence and language to be applied throughout 'U' all the way to '18'. The criteria should be taken into factors such as, whether the material is in conflict with the law, whether the material may cause harm towards the catagory concerned and whether the content is generally acceptable at the age group concerned based on a broad public opinion. The main issues are also taken into concern which contain, Discrimination, Drugs, Horror, Imitable behaviour, Language, Nudity, Sex, Theme and Violence.
'U' - Universal is suitbale for all ages above four. The films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. By using the main issues, 'U' films should contain discriminatory language or behaviour, no references to illegal drugs or drug misuse, unless a clear message of anti-drug message. Scary sequences should be mild, breif and unlikely to cause anxiety to young children. No glorification of easily accessable weapons with dangerous behaviour in which children may like to duplicate. Infrequent use of very mild bad language with occassional natural nudity, however no sexual content. While problematic themes may be present, their treatment must be sensitive and appropriate for young children. Finally, mild violence only with an occassional mild menace or threat.
'PG' - Parental Guidance is suitable for children aged eight and over. From the main issues a 'PG' film should consist of discrimination by a character with which children can easily identify. References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message, frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense to affect the child. The films shall consist of no detail or potentially dangerous behaviour which a young child is likely to copy. Bad language is only suitable unless it is mild, natural nudity is acceptable however, no sexual context. Sexual activity may be impiled, but should be discreet, when more serious issues are featured such as domestic violence, nothing in their treatment should condone unacceptable behaviour. Finally, moderate violence is allowed although it must be justified in its context such as history, comedy or even fantasy.
'12' - 12 is suitable for children aged 12 and over. From the guidlines a '12' film, discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail, moderate horror is permitted, however frequent sequences are not allowed. Dangerous behaviour which can consist of self harm may not show detail which can be copied, In a '12' moderate language is allowed, aswell as nudit. The use of sexual activity may also be portrayed, but discreetly, moderate violence is permitted in the films however the use of emphasis on blood or injuries shall not be included. Finally in a '12' film you can use mature themes, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.
'12A' - '12A' guidlines are identical to a '12' film. The classification only exists in cinemas where a adult can choose whether the film is acceptable for a child under the age of twelve, compared to '12' where children under the age of twelve in not allowed to view the film.
'15' - These films are acceptable for ages 15 and over. The guidlines portray that the work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour, drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. Another factor shows that strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised aswell as dangerous behaviour for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming but should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Sexual activity may be portrayed withiut strong detail aswell as nudity, no theme is prohibited, providing that the treatment is suitable for the ages of 15 above. '15' films can also use frequent strong language, however the language must be justified if they use the strongest terms. The final factor is violence, violence in the films may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury.
'18' - These films are only suitable for adults. No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than eighteen may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video. In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and 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 offence, where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society. Also where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context.
'R18' - 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’ video works may not be supplied by mail order. The following examples are not acceptable: any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959 and any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable.
Some of information from BBFC website
