BBFC - film ratings

 Films are rated by age catogery, to show which films are suitable for the viewers.
They are rated U, PG, 12, 15 and 18. U stands for universal, and should be suitable for young children. PG stands for parental guidance, suitable for young people with paretnal consent.

U - Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause undue anxiety to young children. The outcome should be reassuring. Mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) and references only (for example, to ‘making love’). While problematic themes may be present, their treatment must be sensitive and appropriate for young children.

PG - Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its context (for example, history, comedy or fantasy).Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only. Mild bad language only.

12 - Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained. Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent. Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.

15 - Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable. Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.  Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

18 - 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 – 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.