BBFC Research

What does BBFC stand for?

British Board of Film Classification.

What is their mission? What do they do?

The British Board of Film Classification's mission, is to protect the public, especially children, from films/documentaries/shows which might raise harm risks. In other words, the BBFC uses published Classification Guidelines for certain age ranges, so they are ensuring that the content of the film, is age appropriate and that children or young people do not see films that are unsuitable for them. So it's their responsibility for classifying films that have a cinema and DVD release and to make sure that the film is at it's perfect target audience.

Rules and Restrictions

U - Meaning Universal/Suitable for ages 4 or above.

PG - Meaning Parental Guidance/Some scenes may be unsuitable for a child that is 8+/Parents are advised to say whether this film is upsetting their child.

12A - Meaning it's suitable for only 12+/Not suitable for children under the age of 12/No younger child should watch a 12+ film unless they are accompanied by an adult/They are allowed to say whether the film is suitable or not suitable for their child.

15 - Suitable for only 15+/ Anyone younger than 15 shouldn't be watching it/No one younger than 15 shouldn't rent or buy one of these types of films.

18 - NO ONE, under the age of 18 SHOULDN'T be watching an 18+ film or ANYWHERE/Any individual under the age of 18, can't purchase/rent an 18+ film/Adults should have the freedom to choose what entertains them.

R18 - ONLY for ADULTS!

{Here's an example for one of the films}: