The BBFC

What is the BBFC?

The BBFC is an independent organisation that, essentially, classifies the age ratings of video games and films. The age classifications range between “U” (commonly known as “Universal) which means that the film/game is suitable for ages 4 and over and “18,”which means it is only suitable for adults.

The company was found in 1912 and is based in Soho, London, employing around 80 people.

This classification was introduced in 2002, and is only used in cinema viewings.

Suitable for: This age classification is considered inappropriate for very young children. People aged younger than 12 years are only allowed to view a film that has been given this rating if they are in the company of a person aged 18 or over. Despite this, it is not recommended that anyone unde3r the age of 12 is given permission to watch a film with this rating.

Content: Films that have been classified as 12a at the cinema can contain things such as Discrimination, soft drugs, moderate swear words/infrequent strong language, mature themes, moderate violence, sex references and nudity. Sexual activity may only be implied or portrayed discreetly, and there may be subtle implications of sexual violence.

In 2002, this classification became relevant only to DVDs/VHS. Now it is relevant to Blu-Ray, 3D Blu-Ray and DVD, but not cinema viewings.

12a cinema rated films are often granted the classification of 12 when brought out to buy for home viewing (unless extra material has been added that may affect the age rating.)

Suitable for: Anyone aged 12 or over. No one under this age can purchase a film with this certificate.

Content: Discrimination, soft drugs, moderate swear words/infrequent strong language, mature themes, moderate violence, sex references and nudity. Sexual activity may only be implied or portrayed discreetly, and there may be subtle implications of sexual violence (Identical to the content guidelines of a 12a.)

EXAMPLES OF 12/12A CERTIFICATED FILMS

Relevant to cinema viewings and home viewings.

Suitable for: Those aged 15 and over.

Content: Films that are classified as 15 may include adult themes, hard drugs, frequent strong language and limited use of very strong language, strong violence and strong sex references, and nudity without graphic detail. Sexual activity may be shown, but there will be no strong detail. Also, sexual violence may be shown discretely, justified by the context of the film.

EXAMPLES OF 15 CERTIFICATED FILMS

Relevant to cinema viewings and home viewings.

Suitable for: Those aged 18 and over (adults)

Content: Films that are classified as 18 have no limitations on the bad language that is used. They can contain hard drugs, explicit sex references and sexual activity portrayed in detail is allowed. Also, real sex may be included but only if justified by the context of the film. Very strong, gory/sadistic violence is usually permitted, as well as strong sexual violence unless it is excessively graphic.

EXAMPLES OF 18 CERTIFICATED FILMS

Why are films certificated?

Films are certificated as an indicator for parents, carers and other viewers. They are to advise them on what to let their children watch and to decide what they themselves want to watch.