Film Classification

 

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, non-governmental body, which has exercised responsibilities over cinema for more than eighty years, and over video since 1985. It was established in 1912 by the film industry when local authorities started to impose their own, widely varying, censorship standards on films. The object was to create a body which could make judgements that were acceptable nationally. The BBFC is therefore accountable for the national classification and censorship standards of films, DVD's/video's and other works which have been produced in the UK, that need classification. Classifications range between a 'U' which means that the work is universal and is suitable for audiences aged 4 and over, and '18' meaning only suitable for adults. The BBFC is a self-regulated body that is not run to produce a profit, unlike many other organisations.

The examiners in the BBFC give each work an age rating certificate before they are released, so that they are able to safeguard children from disturbing and harmful content in these works such as, drugs, violence and sex. Placing an age certificate on films, DVD/videos and video games etc means that anyone under the age restriction are prevented from accessing them, which means that the BBFC effectively protects venerable society members. The BBFC claim to have two fundamental objectives which are; to protect children and vulnerable adults from potentially harmful or otherwise unsuitable content and to empower consumers, particularly parents and those with responsibility for children, to make informed viewing decisions.

 

The boards decisions are reached by consensus. Each work is seen by a team of two duty examiners, who must write daily reports describing each feature of the work in detail and justifying the decision they have reached. In cases of disagreement the film will be referred to another team, usually with a principal officer present at the screening. In order for the team to reach an appropriate age rating, they must view the work which needs to be classified and mark it according to the BBFC's classification guidelines.

• U - Suitable for all ages
• PG - Parental Guidance 
• 12A - Cinema release suitable for 12 years and over
• 12 - Video release suitable for 12 years and over
• 15 - Suitable only for 15 years and over
• 18 - Suitable only for adults
• R18 - Adult works for licensed premises only