The BBFC and Age Ratings

FILM CLASSIFICATION & THE BBFC

Film classification is used to prevent minors from viewing content that is deemed inappropriate for them. The BBFC (British Board of Film Class) is an independent company that is responsible for the classification of films in Britain. This is necessary to prevent children viewing inappropriate scenes, which may affect them psychologically and have an adverse affect on society.

 The images above are the different types of film classification used by the BBFC.
These are different factors which affect the age rating of a movie.
DISCRIMINATION, VIOLENCE, BEHAVIOUR, LANGUAGE, HORROR, DRUGS, NUDITY, SEX & THEME

U: Universal, this is deemed appropriate for all ages. This may consist of mild and infrequent use of language and violence will be mild even if frequently used. Kissing is permitted and drug use will not be shown.

PG: Suitable for all ages, may be some unsuitable scenes. Requires parental guidance. likely to consist of typical school issues such as bullying or racism. Language is mild and infrequent but may contain words such as S**t and son of a b**ch. Violence will be mild and blood can be shown, although the visual representation will not be shown.

12A: This is for cinema release, under 12s may view if accompanied by an adult.
12: Only suitable for 12 and over. Use of the word f*** may be used and long fight scenes may be shown. Gory injuries may be shown, but no emphasis will be placed on it.

15: Only suitable for 15 and over. May consist of frequent strong language and discrimination with strong violence. Drug usage may be displayed as well as  references to sex and may contain nudity scenes. May contain horror scenes.

18: Only suitable for 18 and over. Likely to consist of strong frequent language and discrimination with strong violence such as gouging of eyes and very graphic scenes. Can contain sex scenes and nudity. Can contain strong horror.

R18: "The R18 category is a special and legally-restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults" from BBFC website. It can only be shown in specially licensed cinemas.