Classifications

Classifications work to protect children from unsuitable and even harmful content in films  and videos and to give consumers information they might need about a particular film or video before deciding whether to watch it or not.

The job of the BBFC to to examine films and age rates films and videos before they are released for the public. The BBFC view films, DVDs and video games and then give them a classification.

There are 6 ratings which are currently being used at the moment:

The U symbol stands for Universal. This means that all audiences aged four years and over can view this film.

PG stands for Parental Guidance. A film with this symbol is suitable for general viewing, however some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

The 12A classification and video works classified as 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. The difference between 12A and 12 is that with a 12A, an adult must accompany a children who is under 12 years old.

The 15 classification is only for people aged 15 or above. Anyone under this age are unable to view this film.

Films in this age rating are only for 18. No one under this age can view this film at all.

The R18 category is a special and legally-restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults.