The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, non-governmental body who give films certificates. Film certificates are intended to protect people, mainly children, from content that may be harmful or scary. Although they need to realise that society attitudes are changing towards the content that people may see in the media.
The certificates shows what age the viewer must be to watch it, if they are under the age of the certificate they are not allowed to watch this film in the cinema or buy it on DVD.
A ‘U’ certificate film means that it is suitable for children aged four and over. These films are positive and should be reassuring towards the viewer. They should not contain anything upsetting or threading within the film.
They should not contain discrimination, references to drugs, strong horror and violence, strong language or dangerous behaviour.
Children of any age may watch unaccompanied although some scenes may be unsuitable for the younger audience. Parents are suggested to consider whether the films are suitable for their child as it could be upsetting for them.
Suitable for children age 12 and over
These two certificates have the same classifications. Films classified as 12 or 12A are for adults or children aged 12 and over. If material has one of these categories it is considered that it could upset children under 12 or that parents may not want their children to see it.
The 12A category is used only for cinema films and means that no one younger than 12 can see this film in a cinema unless they have an adult with them. These films are not recommended for children younger than 12 but if an adult wishes to take a younger child, believing that they will not be upset by the film, they will not be barred from the cinema but the responsibility resets with the accompanying adult.
The 12 category is used only for video works and no one younger than 12 are allowed to rent or buy a video which is 12 rated.
Anyone younger than the age of 15 is not allowed to see a film with the certificate 15 in the cinema or rent or buy the film.
Drug uses, horror, strong language and violence is allowed to be featured in these films.
Suitable for over 18 years or older
Anyone younger than the age of 18 is not allowed to see the ‘18’ rated film in a cinema or rent or buy it.
Images of sexual activity may be permitted although scenes containing clear images of real sex or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’ category.
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