Key differences between each rating

U-PG:

• Discrimination of an unrelatable character or in an historical/educational context is fine if disapproved of.
• There can be an anti-drug message
• There can be frightening sequences if in a fantasy setting (still not prolonged)
• Still no imitable behaviour
• No specification of mild bad language
• No specification of occasional natural nudity
• Sexual innuendo allowed but discreet
• More mature themes/serious problems (eg. domestic violence) allowed but still in a mild way
• Violence can be stronger at a PG but can’t be in detail and justified by context
• Horror can be more frightening at a PG but cannot be prolonged and fantasy is treated less strictly

PG-12A

• Discrimination can be more aggressive if condemned
• 12A now allows infrequent, non-glamorised misuse of drugs
• Horror allowed to be prolonged provided they are infrequent
• Same rules apply to imitable behaviour
• There can be moderate language at 12A eg. infrequent use of the 'f' word
• Nudity doesn't have to be natural anymore and sexual nudity must be brief and discreet
• Sexual activity can go further than implied but discreetly portrayed
• Mature themes must be acceptable for young teens
• Violence doesn't need to be justified by context although sexual violence is now allowed but may be implied and must have strong contextual justification

12A-15

• Discrimination doesn't have to be condemned at a 15 but not endorse it
• Drug use doesn't have to be infrequent and can be glamourised but the film as a whole should not endorse this
• Strong horror and threat allowed at a 15 but not sexualised or sadistic
• Strong language like the 'c' word allowed if justified by context and infrequent
• No longer constraints on nudity in a sexual or educational context
• Sex doesn't have to be brief or discreet any more
• Theme must be suitable for 15 year olds
• There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

15-18

• Viewers are adults so completely free to choose their own entertainment
• Illegal drug use is not allowed
• Sexualised violence is allowed in a 18 but cannot cause potential harm to anyone or society
• Clear images of real sex is still not permitted

18-R18

• Work must still NOT breach laws
• R18 films are primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults.
• Only allowed in specially licenced cinemas or sex shops

R18 Rating

To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years

The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. ‘R18’ video works may not be supplied by mail order.

The following content is not acceptable:

• any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959
• material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity (for example, paedophilia, incest or rape) which may include adults role-playing as non-adults
• the portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent (whether real or simulated). Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent
• the infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for moderate, non-abusive, consensual activity
• penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm
• any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable.

These Guidelines will be applied to the same standard regardless of sexual orientation.

18 Rating

Suitable only for adults

No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema.
No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.

In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

• where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence
• where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault
• where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.

In the case of video works (including video games), which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.

Sex education at ‘18’

Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted.

Sex works at ‘18’

Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’. Sex works containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’ category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex work at ‘R18’ is also unacceptable in a sex work at ‘18’.

15 Rating

Suitable only for 15 years and over

No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

Discrimination

The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

Drugs

Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

Horror

Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language

There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’). The strongest  terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity

Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex

Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely  to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme

No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

Violence

Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

12 & 12A Ratings

Suitable for 12 years and over

Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.
The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.
The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

Discrimination

Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.

Drugs

Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.

Horror

Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free.  Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language

Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.

Nudity

Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.

Sex

Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme

Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.

Violence

Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.

PG Rating

Parental Guidance

General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

Discrimination

Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in an educational or historical context.  Discrimination by a character with which children can readily identify is unlikely to be acceptable.

Drugs

References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.

Horror

Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.

Imitable behaviour

No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons.

Language

Mild bad language only.

Nudity

Natural nudity, with no sexual context.

Sex

Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only.

Theme

Where more serious issues are featured (for example, domestic violence) nothing in their treatment should condone unacceptable behaviour.

Violence

Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its context (for example, history, comedy or fantasy).

U Rating

Universal – Suitable for all

It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.
If a work is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice.

Discrimination

No discriminatory language or behaviour unless clearly disapproved of.

Drugs

No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless they are infrequent and innocuous, or there is a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable for young children.

Horror

Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause undue anxiety to young children. The outcome should be reassuring.

Imitable behaviour

No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons.

Language

Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.

Nudity

Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.

Sex

Mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) and references only (for example, to ‘making love’).

Theme

While problematic themes may be present, their treatment must be sensitive and appropriate for young children.

Violence

Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only.

13 MAIN ISSUES:

12, 13) Violence, Sexualised violence

• The BBFC will take account of the degree and nature of violence in works.
• Portrayal of violence as a normal solution to problems, heroes who inflict pain and injury, callousness towards victims, encouraging aggression and content which depicts characters taking pleasure in pain or humiliation will recieve more restricitve classifications.
• Sexualised violence which glamourise violence will be cut or restricted.
• There is a strict policy on rape within this issue. Content endorsing sexual violence may be cut.
• Any association of sex with non-consensual restraint, pain or humiliation may be cut.

13 MAIN ISSUES:

11) Theme

• Classification decisions will depend significantly on the treatment of a movie's theme and sensitvity of its presentation.
• The most problematic themes (drug abuse, sexual violence, paedophilia, incetment to racial hatred or violence) are likely to have high ratings.

13 MAIN ISSUES:

9, 10). Sex, Sexual Reference

• Portrayal of sexual activity can range from kissing and verbal references to making love to detail of real sex. This is reflected in the classification system.
• Works which primary purpose is sexual arousal is likely to be passed only in adult categories '18'.
• Work containing clear images of real sex, strong retish material or sexual ly explicit animated images will be confined to 'R18' which may only be supplied in licenced sex shops.

13 MAIN ISSUES:

8) Nudity

• Natural nudity with no sexual content is acceptable
• Nudkty with sexual content will recieve more resitrictive rating, strong detail will only be allowed in adult categories.

13 MAIN ISSUES:

7) Language

• Expletives with a sexual, religious or racial association or language about minority groups and commonly known rude gestures may offend.
• The extend of offence will depend on age, gender, race, background, beliefs and expectations.
• Context should be taken note of.

13 MAIN ISSUES:

4, 5, 6) Imitable behaviour, Criminal behaviour, Weapons

• Detailed portrayal of criminal and violent techniques and glamourisation of easily accessible weapons such as knives is classified.
• Anti-social behaviour eg.bullying is likely to recieve a higher rating.
• Scenes promoting illegial behaviour will be cut or rejected.
• Portrayals of potentially dangerosu behaviour eg. hanging, suicide and self harm may be cut.

13 MAIN ISSUES:

3) Horror

• Where films are targeted at a younger audience, classiffication desicions will take into accuont factors such as frequency, lenght and detailof scary scenes/horror effects (music & sound) and the outcome.
• Older audiences often pay to see horror films for the shock factor.

13 MAIN ISSUES:

2) Drugs

• Not allowed to promote the misuse of drugs.
• Any work promoting or glamourising the activity may be cut.
• Work emphasising the dangers may recieve less restrictive classification.

13 MAIN ISSUES:

1) Discrimination

• Offensive content relating to race, gender, religion, disability or sexuality impacts on classification.
• Context must be accounted for.

Homework 1: w/b 31st January

Reflections from lessons 1 + 2:

• There are institutions that regulate media, the 'Media Police':
• Ofcom; TV, radion, communications industries
• BBFC; film, DVD, video games
• PCC; newpapers, magazines
• ASA; adverts, advertising industries
• BBC Trust; BBC output
• Although the BBFC regulate film, TV etc, it is the local authorities who have the deciding say on what is shown in their areas. For example in 2003, parents were outraged when Spiderman had a high 12A rating sothe councils overthrew the BBFC's decision.
• Guidelines are updated every 5 years so that they are up to date. 

a)  Who are the BBFC, what is their role and how are they funded?

• The British Board of Film Classification is an independant, non governmental body funded through the fees it charges to those who submit films and video work for classification
• BBFC classifies films on behalf of the local authorites who licence cinemas under the Licencing Act 2003
• The BBFC also classifies video works that are streamed or downloaded over the internet under a voluntary scheme called BBFC.online
• The Guidelines are not a legal document but reflect considerations

b) General principles followed

• Works should be allowed to reach the widest audience that is appropriate for their theme and treatment
• Adults should be free to choose what they watch provided that it is legal and not potentially harmful

c) Legal considerations

• Human Right Act 1998
• The Licencing Act 2003
• The Video Recordings Act 1984
• The Obscene Publications Act 1959 & 1964
• Criminal Justice & Immigration Act 2008
• The Protection of Children Act 1078
• The Sexual Offences Act 2003
• The Public Order Act 1986
• The Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937
• The Animal Welfare Act 2006
• The Tobacco Advertising Act 2002

d) Overriding factors

• Titles
• Trailers/advertisements
• Public info ads/charity ads
• Video games