BBFC Ratings

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), before 1985 known as British Board of Film
Censors, is a non-governmental organisation, founded by the film industry in 1912 and
responsible for the national classification and censorship of films within the United Kingdom
Universal- The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged
four years and over. A U film can explore a wide range of themes, as long as the treatment is
appropriate for a young audience. This doesnt mean that all films rated U are childrens films. U
films are unlikely to contain discriminatory language or behaviour unless it is clearly disapproved of.



PG- PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but
some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. Mild bad language is included, sex
references are unlikely unless they are undetailed or infrequent and violence will be mild.



12A- No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Sex
may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12A or 12, violence should be moderate and not dwell on
detail and any discriminatory language or behaviour will not be endorsed by the work as a whole.




12- This means retailers cannot sell or rent a DVD that is listed at 12 to someone younger than the
age of 12. Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12A or 12, violence should be moderate
and not dwell on detail and any discriminatory language or behaviour will not be endorsed by the
work as a whole.




15- No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 rated video. At 15
there is no upper limit on the number of uses of strong language, there may be racist, homophobic
or other discriminatory language, sexual activity can portrayed and violence may be.




18- 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. There is no limit on the number of uses of strong. There may be racist,
homophobic or other discriminatory language. There can be strong and detailed portrayals of sex at
18, including full nudity. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
Lastly, violence can be strong and be portrayed with strong detail.