The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), is a non-governmental organization, founded by the film industry in 1912 and responsible for the national classification and censorship of films exhibited at cinemas and video works.
Each film has a certificate on it to make people aware before they watch it which age group it is appropriate and who should not be watching it and why.
Each film has a certificate on it to make people aware before they watch it which age group it is appropriate and who should not be watching it and why.
Universal which is suitable for all ages. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over although it is impossible to predict what might upset children. U films should be set within a positive framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. If a work is particularly suitable for preschool children, this will be indicated in the BBFC insight.
PG - Parental Guidance. General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive children.
12A/12 are suitable for 12 years and over. Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless they accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child. To help them decide, they are recommended to check the BBFCinsight for that film in advance. No one younger than 12 may buy or rent a 12 related video.
15- is only suitable for 15 years and over. No one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15 rated video.
18- is only suitable for adults. No one younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy an 18 video.
Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:
MH HC
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 us to risk harm to individuals or through their behaviour to society.
MH HC