The BBFC is an independent British organization that rates the age classifications of films and video games. The ratings range from "U" for universal to "18" for only adults. The BBFC was founded in 1912 and employs around 80 people in London. It classifies films shown in theaters as well as home video releases.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.)

6. 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.

8. 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.

10. 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.