Ages Of Film

A ‘U’ film is suitable for children from the age of four years and above. They should be set with a positive outcome and offer counterbalances to threat, horror or violence. The theme has to be sensitive so that it is suitable for the younger audience. Only very mild bad language is allowed. Natural nudity is allowed in this type of film but with no sexual content. Kissing is allowed but there should be no reference what so ever to sex. Violence is allowed but it only has to be very mild threats nothing physical. No realistic weapons are allowed in a ‘U’ film as young children are likely to imitate behaviour which they watch. Any horror effects should be mild and brief with a positive outcome. There is not allowed to be any reference to drugs unless it is for an educational purpose only.

A ‘PG’ film is fine for children of any age to watch, but parents must be aware of the scenes which this type of film may include, in case they do not find them appropriate and think that their child should be watching. The theme must not contain many serious issues such as domestic violence and abuse, if it may condone child’s behaviour. Only mild bad language is allowed. Again same as the ‘U’ film, natural nudity is allowed but with no sexual content, sexual activity may be implied but must be infrequent and discreet if done so. Moderate violence is allowed in this type of film, but mustn’t be shown within detail. Once again as in the ‘U’ film, no accessibility to realistic weapons must be shown as children are still likely to copy the actions shown. Frightening sequences are allowed but must not be prolonged or intense. Any reference to illegal drugs must be only for educational purposes which carry an ‘anti' drug message.

A ‘12’ or a ‘12A’ film is only suitable for people who are of the age of 12 and above. No one under this age is allowed to see this kind of film unless they are accompanied by an adult. The theme is now allowed to be mature but with young teenage viewing still in mind. Strong language such as f*ck is allowed but must be infrequent. Racist abuse is also of concern for this age group. Nudity is now allowed in this type of film but must be brief and discreet. Sexual activity may be implied but not go beyond what is most likely to be familiar of that age range. Violence is allowed but not to be dwelled upon. The injuries and blood must be kept to a minimum and sexual violence must only be implied and in discreet detail. Dangerous techniques and stunts such as combat, suicide and self-harming, should not dwell on the detail or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised. Continued moderate threat or menace is permitted with occasional gory moments. Misuse of drugs must be infrequent without being instructional and not marketed on screen to give out the wrong type of message.

A’15’ film is not suitable for anyone under the age of 15 they must be older. No theme is forbidden for this type of film but still must be suitable for 15 year olds. There is allowed to be frequent use of bad language such as f*ck, but stronger terms such as c*nt, are only acceptable if it is justified to the context which it’s going to be in. Constant use of strong terms is likely to be unacceptable. Nudity is allowed in a ‘15’ film with sexual content, but must not go into strong detail. Sexual activity may be portrayed but without the strong detail again also, but there is allowed it be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour. Violence is allowed to be strong but is not allowed to dwell on the pain or infliction. Scenes of sexual violence are allowed in this type of film but still must be discreet and brief. Again, same as the ‘12’ and ‘12A’ films, dangerous techniques and stunts such as combat, suicide and self-harming, should not dwell on intricate detail as well as easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised. Strong threat and menace is permitted but the strongest gory images are likely to be unacceptable.

An ‘18’ film is only suitable for adults. There should be no one under the age of 18 watching this type of film. The BBFC believes that when a person is 18, they are classed as an adult, and being classed as an adult they are free to watch what they want to as long as it’s within the law. The board may intervene if the film portrays sexual violence, which might support sexual assault, or other acts similar to this. Where sex material is used to inform and educate the audience it must not be in explicit detail if it is done, then it must be kept to a minimum to illustrate the educational and instructional. Sex works are normally on video or DVD with the purpose being for sexual arousal or stimulation although sex works showing clear images of real sex are confined to the ‘R18’ category.

An ‘R18’ film is only allowed to be viewed in licensed cinemas or supplied in sex shops, and are not to be sold to anyone who is under the age of 18 years as well as must not be supplied by mail ordered. The following things are not acceptable:

• Material, which is against the law including obscene material, which goes against the Obscene Publications Act 1959.
• Abusive sexual activity, which will encourage such behaviour.
• The portrayal of someone withdrawing his or her consent from being in the film or physical restraint.
• The infliction of pain or physical harm simulation.
• Any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse, which does not clearly portray role-play.