Research into Age Certificates - Miss Georgiou

Research into Age Certificates

BBFC - British Bard of Film Classification

The BBFC are a company that view films in order to place them with a certificate as to what age can view the film down to what the film contains, for example, sexual and violent scenes. the different age ratings that the BBFC use are U, PG, 12, 12A, 15 and 18.

U Classification:
The U symbol stands for Universal. The U symbol means that the film is suitable for an audience that is aged four and over. Even though it is impossible to predict what will upset a particular child, especially as this is a lower end range of category. For children that are younger than the age of four the BBFC use a certain insight to view certain films such as Chuggington, Teletubbies or In the Night Garden which the BBFC certify as films that are suitable for viewers under the age of four. They review these films to see whether they contain any content that may include issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, language, nudity or sex etc. Another main point that the BBFC focus on when judging whether a film is a U rated film is the reference to sexual activity or behaviour, for example, you may see characters kissing and cuddling, this would be as far as they would allow in a U rated film there would be no focus on sexual behaviour, language or innuendo. A U film may contain certain scenes where some characters could be placed in positions of danger, however moments where characters have been placed in emotional stress or threat will be quickly resolved and met with a reassuring outcome. In some films they may contain some scary scenes where the characters are placed in danger. As with violence, however these scenes will be balanced with reassuring elements, such as comic interludes or music.

PG Classification:
PG simply stands for Parental Guidance. PG means that the film is for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger viewers. Some PG films may contain certain scenes that may contain content that could upset young and sensitive children. Some PG films are not aimed towards younger audiences, a film that was released recently passed for a PG but was watched mostly by grown ups was The Artist. However, the certificate means that any issues in the work are appropriate for the majority of this group and nothing in the film should upset children of the age of eight or over. No theme is prohibited at PG, as long as it is treated in a manner appropriate to the category. PG works can explore challenging issues such as domestic violence, bereavement and racism. Smoking and drinking will not be promoted or glamourised and if child characters are seen smoking or drinking, there should be a clear message that this is wrong. If drugs are mentioned or seen, a PG work should promote that they are harmful. There may be mild language in PG films such as, 'shit' and 'son of a bitch', but the context and delivery are important, for example if the delivery is aggressive or there is too much bad language, a work may be passed as the next category.

12 and 12A Classification:
12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can see this film unaccompanied but anyone under the age of 12 will need an adult to be with them so they can view the film. The person that is accompanying the child that is under the age of 12 has to be 18 or over themselves so the child can see the film. the 12 rating is only used for DVDs and Blu-rays, where as 12A is used in cinemas only. The BBFC have made films rated 12A because the film may contain certain scenes where parnets of children that are younger than the age of 12 may be upset by what they see or their parents may feel that the film contains certain things that they dont want their children seeing. The BBFC provide a system called the BBFCinsight which allows adults to judge whether they feel the film is suitable for their children to see. The overall tone of the film also affects the classification of the film, for example the film may have an unsettling tone to it which could make it feel unsuitable for children younger than 12. The BBFC's guidelines state that there may be strong language, for example f***. The context of the strong language is important, aggressive uses of strong language may result in the film being placed in the 15 category, there is also some allowance for puns on strong language at this category. There may be some moderate language, for example such uses of terms such as 'bitch' and 'twat' at 12 or 12A. There will be no discriminatory language used in a 12 or 12A. Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12 or 12A, verbal sex referances should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Comedy may lower the impact of some moderate sex referneces or innuendo but crude sex references are unlikely to be accepted. Dangerous behaviour such as hanging and suicide etc. may be present in a 12 or 12A.

15 Classification:
No one under the age of 15 is allowed to watch, rent or buy a 15 rated film. No theme is prohibited, as long as the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds. A 15 age rated film may include things such as, strong violence, frequent language, portrayals of sexual activity, strong verbal references to sex, sexual nudity, brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence, discriminatory language or behaviour and drug taking. There could potentially be a great deal of strong language in a 15 rated film. At 15there is no upper limit on the number of uses of strong language, occasionally there may be uses of the strongest terms, for example c***, although continued or aggressive use will not be passed at a 15. There may be uses of racist, homophobic or discriminatory language used but it must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. At 15 sexual activity can be portrayed, as long as there is no strong or graphical detail. Some sex scenes can be quite long and may involve some nudity and movement. There can be strong references to sex and sexual behaviour, but especially strong or crude references are unlikely to be acceptable unless they are justified by context. Violence may also be strong in a 15, it should not however focus on the infliction of pain or injury, the strongest gory images are unlikely to feature. Many horror films are rated 15. At 15 there can be strong threat and menace, as long as it is not sadistic or sexualised. At 15 drug taking may feature but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. Certain scenes that may be shown in such works rated 15, for example suicide must not be dwelled on as they may leave an impression on young and vulnerable teenagers.

18 Classification:
18 rated films are for those that are aged 18 or over, those under the age of 18 cannot watch, buy or rent films that are rated 18. No theme is prohibited in an 18 rated film as the adult is free to pick and choose their own entertainment within the law, so it is possible some themes tackled at 18 may be offensive to some adult viewers. 18 works are for adults and can contain strong issues such as, very strong violence, frequent strong language or very strong language, strong portrayals of sexual activity, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, strong blood and gore, real sex (in some circumstances) and discriminatory language and behaviour. There is no limit to the number of times strong or very strong language is used, in an 18 rated film it also does not matter whether the use of the word is aggressive and whether it is backed up with violence because it is an 18 rated film. As well as being aggressive the language can also be directed. There may be racist, homophobic or discriminatory language at 18. Though the work must not be in breach of any relevant legislation, it is possible for discriminatory language of themes to be in the main works, and for main characters to engage in discriminatory behaviour. There can be strong and detailed portrayals of sex at 18, including full nudity. Very strong, crude and explicit sex references are permitted at 18. Some very strong horror works pass as 18 as they obviously exceed the boundaries for a 15 rated film. Drug taking may be shown, but just like 15 rated films it must not promote or encourage any misuse of drug taking.