A summary of the BBFC film guidelines and age ratings.

1. Text
The BBFC (British board of film classification) has created several age
category which a film or television program may fall into depending on the
themes and content of the product. These guidelines help to form the age
restrictions which are commonly used in cinemas and on DVD packaging.
The aim of these restrictions is to ensure that the media product is being
consumed by the desired age demographic.

2. Rating: U
U stands for Universal and
should be suitable for ages 4
and over. Infrequent mild
language, Mild sexual
behaviour (kissing and
cuddling), no reference to
drugs.

3. Rating: PG
Stands for parental guidance
and allows for the parents of
guardian to determine whether
or not the film is suitable for
their child. Innuendo may be
used as well as bad language,
there may be mild violence as
well as reference to drugs.

4. Rating: 12A and 12
Only suitable for people above the
age of 12. Those under 12 may
see a 12A in the cinema if
accompanied by an
adult. Discriminatory language is
unlikely to be mentioned in a 12A
or 12, there may be brief sexual
content, there may be moderate
violence, easily accessible
weapons should not be glamorised,
horror films may pass as a 12A or
12, dangerous behaviour (suicide,
drug abuse) should not be dwelled
upon.

5. Rating: 15
A 15 may only be viewed by a
person aged 15 years and over. It
may contain sexual nudity,
frequent strong language, drug
taking, sexual references, sexual
nudity. Dangerous topics (suicide,
self harm) should not be dwelled
upon however drug taking is
acceptable. Horror works may
feature strong gore and horror but
should not be overly sadistic.

6. Rating: 18
An 18 may only be viewed by
an individual over the age of
18. It may contain strong
horror, strong nudity, strong
sexual imagery and strong
language.