Bbfc – the categories
- 1. BBFC – THE CATEGORIES By Joynul
- 2. U - UNIVERSAL This category is suitable for all. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. Discrimination: None at all Drugs: no reference to any illegal drugs or drug use Horror: scary sequences will be minor, mild and brief Imitable Behaviour: No potentially dangerous behaviour which children could copy Language: some use of very mild language is acceptable Nudity: some natural nudity with no sexual content Sex: Mild References such as kissing acceptable Theme: must be appropriate for young children Violence: mild violence acceptable
- 3. PG – PARENTAL GUIDANCE Some scenes may be unsuitable for children which is why parental guidance is required, it should not disturb a child around eight or older, parents are advised to consider whether the content will affect the children Discrimination: it is unacceptable unless a child can readily identify it as unacceptable Drugs: references made must be portraying anti-drug use and innocuous Horror: it can be used but not prolonged or intense Imitable Behaviour: no dangerous behaviour which young children or likely to copy, no representation of easily accessible weapons Language: mild bad language can be used Nudity: natural nudity is acceptable with no sexual reference Sex: it can be implied but only discreet and infrequent references Theme: This is where more serious issues are features, nothing should condone unacceptable behaviour though Violence: moderate violence is acceptable but without detail
- 4. 12 & 12A When a piece of media is classed 12 it is only suitable for people of ages 12 and over, a 12A allows a child under 12 to watch if accompanied by an adult. A child under 12 could not however buy a 12A Discrimination: it should not be endorsed by the work Drugs: any misuse should be infrequent and not glamorised Horror: moderate physical and psychological threats are permitted Imitable Behaviour: dangerous behaviour should not be shown in detail or dwell on Language: moderate language is acceptable but only infrequently Nudity: nudity is allowed but can only briefly show sexual content and must be discreet Sex: it may be brief and discreetly shown, it should not go beyond the point where it is unsuitable Theme: mature themes are acceptable but they must be suitable for young teenagers Violence: moderate violence is allowed, no emphasis on injuries but occasional gory content is allowed
- 5. 15 – ONLY SUITABLE FOR 15 YEARS AND OVER No-one under the age of 15 can see the film or a buy a 15 video work Discrimination: overall it must not encourage discriminatory language or behaviour Drugs: drug taking can be shown, but must not encourage drug misuse Horror: strong threats are permitted unless sexualised and sadistic Imitable Behaviour: dangerous behaviour can be used Language: there can be frequent use of strong language Nudity: it is allowed in a sexual content but without strong detail Sex: strong verbal references to sex can be used and sexual activity if used should be portrayed without strong detail Theme: no themes are restricted along as it is appropriate for 15 year olds Violence: there may be strong detail but should not dwell, really strong gory images can not be used
- 6. 18 -SUITABLE ONLY FOR ADULTS At 18 a person is free is choose their own entertainment. There are however exceptions in the following areas: When the material is in breach of the criminal law When the material appears to risk harm to individuals through their behaviour Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which would only be appropriate in a R18
- 7. R-18 - EXPLICIT WORKS To be only shown in specially licensed cinemas and in sex shops. R18 video footage is not allowed to be supplied through mail order. This category is special and classifies explicit material which would involve sex and fetish material involving adults. An material which can encourage sexually abusive activity is not acceptable. Also the material can not be breaking the law and promoting the infliction of pain or acts which can cause lasting physical harm, or make anyone perform any sexual threats or try cause violence or physical harm through penetration.