film classification
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is a non governmental organisation, founded by the film industry in 1912 and is responsible for the national classification and censorship of films within the UK. It censors video games, DVD's and other videos. The BBFC was founded by British Board of Film Censors and is responsible for censoring all cinema, film certificates, video releases, editing, video games and mobile operators. The BBFC operates many certificates including Universal, PG, 12A, 12, 15, 18 and R18.
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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. There will be infrequent very mild language used, and characters may be seen kissing but there will be no overt focus on sexual behaviour or language. Violence will be mild, and characters may be put in danger but it will be quickly resolved so that the audience do not get disturbed or upset. Also dangerous or anti-social behaviour will be disapproved of to show the audience that it is in the incorrect way to behave.
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PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children. A PG film will not contain any theme which is inappropriate for a child. PG works can explore challenging issues such as bullying, bereavement or racism. There may be mild bad language incorporated but it will be in context. Violence will be mild, there may be blood but will not show how the wound/injury was inflicted. Dangerous or antisocial behaviour which young children are likely to copy, such as bullying, or playing with electricity, will not be condoned or seen to go unchallenged, especially if it comes across as safe or fun.
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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 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. The BBFC considers the content of 12A rated films to be suitable for children aged 12 and over, and they would not recommend taking very young children to see them. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them. Strong language may be used depending on the manner in which it is used and who is using it. Sex may briefly be portrayed, but verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers.
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No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 rated video. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age. No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 years old. In a 15 film you may see:
There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal depiction of sexual violence must be discreet and justified by context. |
Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy / rent an 18 rated video. No 18 rated works are suitable for children. 18 works for adults and can contain strong issues such as:
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(Brittani Cooper)
Visit the BBFC for more information by clicking the button:
This is the official BBFC site which gives the official age classifications for each film. On this website there are types of films with their particularly assigned age classifications and this what everybody has to abide by. This website could be useful in order to prevent illegal underage watching of movies; it's an easy website to access and therefore is a setting stone for those who are unsure of what they can or cannot watch.
In this particular screenshot, there are listed movies which besides them have they're legally regulated age classifications alongside their content that could be offensive or harmful and the date that they were usually classified by the BBFC.