The BBFC stands for the British Board Film Classification. This is where they provide films and and videos with age rating regulations, for example; U, PG, 12, 12A, 15, 18, 18R.
All decisions are made based on the BFFC'S published and regularly updated guidelines. The guidelines are an indication of the public consultation, research and experience. They reflect on current views on videos, DVD's and video game regulations. These are the ratings which accompany each regulation:
U stands for universal, which means suitable for all. This means films are set with a positive framework and should restrain from any violence, horror or threat. Drugs should not be used as the film should present a clear, educational anti-drug message. There should be no use of bad language, if anything is used it should be extremely mild as the film should be suitable for preschoolers. Occasional nudity can be use with no sexual at all and mild sexual behaviour can be exchanged such as kissing - nothing more. Threatening or violent actions should try to be restrained from the video content however, if used, should be mild and unlikely to cause undue anxiety for small children. If any violence or threat should be used, it should be comical or in animation form.
PG stands for parental guidance, which means general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for preschoolers, unaccompanied people are welcome to watch however must have consent from their parents. Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless in an educational or historical context. Like the universal rating, drugs must provide the anti-drug message. No detail of potential easy harm should be displayed as children are likely to copy if not focusing on the real message - anti-social behaviour. Mild language is allowed, however, aggressive or very frequent use of mild bad language may result in a work being passed at a higher rating. Nudity with no sexual context is allowed however, when sexual activity is implied, it should be discrete and infrequent. Threatening or violent scenes are usually mild however should have no violence with detail, it should be justified by context.
12/12A stands for suitable for 12 years and over, which means material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless explained. Drugs should be frequent and not represented as glamorous as this can give the audience the wrong idea and can create bad reviews. Language must be moderate, strong language may be permitted, depending on the manner in which it is used and who is using the language. There may be nudity, but in a sexual context it must be brief and discreet and sexual activity must be appropriate and discreet. Violence and threatening scenes may be moderate physical and psychological, although some scenes may be disturbing, the overall tone should not be. Horror sequences should not be frequent and should not dwell on detail.
15 stands for people 15 years and older, no one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema or no one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15 rated video. Drug taking may be shown however, it should be shown through the misuse and must not promote them as a good substance. Dangerous behaviour such as; hanging, suicide and self-harming, should not dwell on detail which could be copied. There may be strong language, and very strong language is permitted through the manner used. There may be nudity in a sexual context used but without strong detail. Same for sex, it is permitted however not shown in strong detail. Threat and violence can be shown however not sexually threatening or dwelling on self inflicted pain. Sexual violence is allowed however must be discreet.
18 is suitable for only adults which means only people who are over the age of 18 can rent or buy a film which an 18 rating - adults are able to choose their entertainment environment. Sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality or safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted. 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.
R18 rated films are only to be shown in specialised licensed cinemas or sex shops and to adults only. The R18 category is a special and legally-restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults such as porn.