BBFC

BBFC- British board of film classification.

This organisation was created to classify cinema films and then later on videos and DVDs. It is not run by the government but the BBFC classifies films on behalf of the local authorities who license cinemas under the Licensing Act 2003. In classifying films, videos or video games, the BBFC also gives consideration to the following basic principles:
Adults should as far as possible be free to choose what they see,providing that it remains within the law and is not potentially harmful to society.
Works should be allowed to reach the widest audience that is appropriate for their theme and treatment.
The context in which something (eg sex or violence) is presented is central to the question of its acceptability.
The BBFC’s Guidelines will be reviewed periodically. The Guidelines, and the Board's practice in applying them, have particular regard to any changes in public taste, attitudes and concerns; changes in the law; or new evidence from research or expert sources.

Universal classification

The BBFC says that they can't predict what may upset a child. However a film rated universal should be suitable for ages four and above. Universal films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offev reassuring counterbalance to any violence, threat or horror. Uc films classified with normally don't have a problems that arise therefore are suitable for pre-school children.

The use of problematic themes must be sensitive and appropriate for the younger audience. There is not allowed to be frequent use of even mild bad language. No sexual behaviour only that of kissing. Mild violence occasionally mild threat or menace only. No empgasis on realistic or easily accesible weapons. No dangerous behaviour that young children could potentially copy. Mild horror which is brief but has a reassuring outcome. Illegal drugs are never mentioned.

Parental Guidance

Some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A child may watch a PG alone as it will not disturb a child around the age of 8 or older. But it is up to the parent to decide whether it will upset a younger or more sensitive shild.

Serious issues feature for example domestic violence or racist abuse. Mild bad language with no sexual context but can be implied but discreetly and very rarely. Moderate violence is allowed without detail only if justified in the setting. No emphasis on realistic weapons or easily accesible ones. No detail on dangerous behaviour that children may copy. Frightening sequences should not be sustained ot intense.

Suitable for 12 years and over.

A younger child may not see a film with this classification at the cinema unless accompanied by an adult. A young child may not rent or buy a film with this classification. If a child is allowed to watch this film then it is the accompanying or supervising adults choice.

Mature films are accepted but it must be suitable for younger teenagers. The use of strong language mest be rare and racist abuse is also a concern. Nudity is allowed however if sexual context it must be brief and discreet. Sexual activity may be implied. But only if it reflects what is likely to be familiar to most teenagers but may not go further. Violence must not last, no emphasis on injuries or blood. Sustained scenes of threat amd menace are permitted. Portrayal of drug misuse is permitted but infrequently.

Suitable for ages 15 and above.

Any child younger may not see a film classified 15 in the cinema but may not rent or buy one.

No theme is named as long as it is appropriate for 15 year olds. Strong language is permitted however the strongest terms are accepted but only if it is justified in the context. Nudity is allowed in sexual context but no strong details are allowed. Sexual actions can be portrayed as long as there are no strong details. Violence may be strong but may not last on the infliction or pain. Threat and menace is permitted but strong gory images are unlikely to be accepted. drug taking can be shown but as a majority the film must not promote or encourage the misuse of drugs.

Suitable only for adults.

No person younger than 18 may view this film in a cinema and no younger person is allowed to buy or rent this film either.

The only times when i film not be suitable at all is when the material or treatment appears to be a risk or harm to an individual or through their behaviour to society for example a detailed portrayal of violent acts or illegal drug use- which is likely to promote the activity. The more explicit scenes may be excepted if it is justified by the context. The only time when explicit scenes may be shown is when they are there to inform the viewers about safe sex or they are educational.

This is the research i found on the BBFC.