BBFC - what they do and why they do it.

g"The BBFC is an independent, self-financing and not-for-profit media content regulator. We operate transparent, consistent and trusted co-regulatory and self-regulatory classification and labelling systems in the UK."

Taken from the BBFC Official Website, their mission statement means that they are a voluntary company which take public responsibility in providing all of the UK's released films with honest certificates. In doing this, they are able to assist families when making informed decision on their viewing preferences and protect the public (mainly minors) from any potentially damaging viewing. 

All of the above are different certificates given to films when the BBFC sees fit.

 'U' stands for Universal. It is unpredictable what any human being may be offended by, but films such as these should usually be suitable for any audience. There is usually no discrimination, use or glorification of illegal drugs etc, however there may be occasional use of mildly bad language or differentiated references of sex, for example kissing. There is sometimes violence used, but it is only ever mild, and in a Universal film there should be nothing negative that may influence a young child.

 'PG' stands for Parental Guidance. It entails that films are usually suitable for all, however parents are advised to stay with any young children as there is sometimes something which may upset a younger child. There may be subtle references to sexual content, and moderate violence if supported by its theme (ie. fantasy or war). Any scenes of mild horror should not be prolonged and any use of illegal drugs must be carried with an anti-drug message.

Films classified as "12" or "12A" are basically ones which are unsuitable for children under the age of 12. 12A is only ever given when the film is to be shown in a cinema and an adult must accompany the child and be cautious about showing them if they are under 12. In 12 rated films, any use of drugs must be infrequent and not glorified, and any imitable behaviour must be kept to a minimum, ie. suicide. Sex and nudity must be shown as discreet and rare within the film and moderate language is allowed. For example, "fuck" is allowed if used infrequently. Violence can be used if not prolonged, and there is no direct dwelling on the effects, such as blood. There must always be a strong contextual justification for violence, it must never be spontaneous and unjustified.

  The laws on 15 rated films become much more strict than others (excluding 18, more on this later). No child under the age of 15 is allowed to watch a film with this certificate at the cinema and must be unable to rent or purchase any works of this in a shop. Drugs are allowed to be used more openly in these films, as long as easily obtainable drugs are not glorified, such as solvents, and strong threat and menace are permitted providing they are not sadistic or sexual. Sex is allowed to be portrayed unless specifically strong detail is used. Violence is permitted unless there is a prolonged dwelling on infliction of injury and strongly gory images are not allowed. Any sexual violence must be discreet and uncommon.

Any film with a certificate 18 is viewable to adults only due to the Human Rights Act 1998, stating that adults should be free to watch what they choose. Everything is permitted unless it breaks a specific law, however even these are allowed if used to educate.