BBFC: British Film Certificates

BBFC: British Film Certificate


The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. 

• At U we only allow very mild bad language (eg ‘damn’ and ‘hell’). Occasionally, bad language such as ‘bloody’ or ‘bugger’ may be included, where justified by the context.
• Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual behaviour (ie to ‘making love’). However, there will be no overt focus on sexual behaviour, language or innuendo.
• A U film may include brief fight scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger. However, moments of emotional stress or threat will be quickly resolved and the outcome will be reassuring.

PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive children. 

•  PG works can explore challenging issues such as domestic violence, bereavement or racism.
• There may be mild bad language (such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’) in a PG film, but the context and delivery are always important. For example, if the language is used aggressively or if there is too much bad language, a work may be passed at the next category.
• References to sex are acceptable if the activity talked about or shown is implied and lacking in detail. In addition, if a child is unlikely to understand a reference, we may allow it at PG. Comedy can also often lessen the impact of sex references and innuendo.

There shouldn't be any details of violence in a PG film, so while there might be some blood, we would not see how the injury was inflicted in strong detail. Violence is generally more acceptable in a historical or fantasy setting, because of the distancing that this provides.

12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and so they have to take an adult over the age of 18. to watch it with them. The difference between 12 and 12A is that the 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays whereas 12A is for films at the cinema only.

• The certificate office states that there may be strong language (eg 'f***') at 12 or 12A, but it must be infrequent. The context of the strong language is important.
• Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12 or 12A. Verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers.

Dangerous behaviour (for example hanging, suicide and self-harming) may be present in 12 or 12A but will not dwell on detail which could be copied or present those activities as pain or harm free so people wouldn't try and impersonate them or feel they want to do it too.

Discrimination is not allowed.

There may be infrequent sight of drugs misuse in a 12 or a 12A but the portrayal should not be glamorised or provide instructional details on how to take or get drugs.

No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD.  15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age.

• Potentially a repetitive use of the word (F***) and can use more offensive words once or twice.
• They can use racist, discriminatory or homophobic language throughout.
• At 15 sexual activity can be portrayed, as long as there is no strong or graphic detail. Some sex scenes can be quite long at this category and may involve some nudity and movement. Though nudity may be allowed in a sexual context there should be no strong detail.
• Many horror films are rated 15. At 15 there can be strong threat and menace (as long as it is not sadistic or sexualised), although the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.
• There can be a wide use of the theme of violence as long as how the injury was inflicted isn't dwelled on.

Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy/rent an 18 rated DVD. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.

• There is no limit of the strength of bad words nor is there any limit on how many times you can use them.
• There can be strong and detailed portrayals of sex at 18, including full nudity. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
• Voilence can be portrayed in strong detailed, in any way and can be as graphic as the producers want it to be.
• There is no limit on drug taking and all horror movies which includes large amounts of gore are passed as a 18 straight away.