The BBFC - Miss H

The BBFC.

What is the BBFC?

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, non-governmental body. The BBFC classifies films, videos/DVDs and some video games, advertisements and trailers according to its Classification Guidelines, with ratings ranging from ‘U’ for Universal to ‘R18’

Age Certificates.

15.

No one younger than 15 should be able to see this film. It may involve scenes of drug use however it cannot encourage this misuse of drugs or any other dangerous substance. Nudity and sexual activity is accepted but not in strong detail as it is too inappropriate for people under the age of 15. Serious crimes may be used in a film but not shown in too much depth. Violence can be involved but there cannot be too much attention drawn to the pain or misery of the Act. At 15 there is no upper limit on the number of uses of strong language, for example the work f***. Occasionally there may be uses of the strongest terms for example C****. 

An example of a movie with the age rating of 15 is shown below:

Paranormal Activity. Age rating: 15

18.

In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC's public consultations, at '18' the BBFC's guideline concerns will not normally override the wish that adults should be free to chose their own entertainment, within the law. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas: where material or treatment appears to the Board to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – e.g. any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which is likely to promote the activity.

An example of a movie with the age rating of 18 is shown below:

Kill Bill. Age rating: 18

U.



The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for
audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict
what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range.
The BBGC rate films and videos aimed at very young viewers, such as Chuggington, Teletubbies or In The Night Garden, U. However, the BBFC give them special BBFCinsight stating they are ‘particularly Suitable for pre-school children’. Films or DVDs with this BBFCinsight should raise no significant issues in terms of discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, theme or violence.

An example of a movie with the rating of 'U' is shown below:

 

PG.

PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive children.
 

In a PG work, illegal or antisocial behaviour, such as bullying, will not be condoned or seen to go unchallenged. Smoking and drinking will not be promoted or glamorised and if child characters are seen smoking or drinking, there should be a clear message that this is bad. If drugs are mentioned or seen, a PG work should emphasise that they are harmful.
 
 
12.

 

12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Children younger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult (eg someone over the age of 18), who must watch the film with them.
An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. To help adults make this decision, we provide BBFCinsight for all films.

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