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 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. Videos classified 'Uc' are particularly suitable for pre-school
children and normally raise none of the issues set out below.
Theme
Treatment of problematic themes must be sensitive and appropriate for a
younger audience.
Language
Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.
Nudity
Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex
Mild sexual behaviour (eg kissing) and references only (eg to making
love).
Violence
Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only.
Imitable techniques
No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons. No potentially
dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy.
Horror
Horror effects should be mild and brief and should take account of the
presence of very young viewers. The outcome should be reassuring.
Drugs
No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless there is a clear
educational purpose or clear anti-drug message suitable for the
audience. |
 Videos classified Uc are particularly suitable for pre-school children |
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'PG' 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.
Theme
Where more serious issues are featured (eg domestic violence, racist
abuse) nothing in their treatment should condone the behaviour.
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.
Violence
Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its
setting (eg historic, comedy or fantasy).
Imitable techniques
No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons. No detail
of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to
copy.
Horror
Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy
settings may be a mitigating factor.
Drugs
Any references to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or
carry a suitable anti-drug message. |
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12A Suitable for 12 years and over.
No-one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless
accompanied by an adult. No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12
rated video or DVD. Responsibility for allowing under-12s to view lies
with the accompanying or supervising adult.
ThemeMature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable
for young teenagers.
Language
The use of strong language (e.g. 'fuck') must be infrequent. Racist
abuse is also of particular concern.
Nudity
Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and
discreet.
Sex
Sexual activity may be implied. Sex references may reflect what is
likely to be familiar to most adolescents but should not go beyond what
is suitable for them.
Violence
Violence must not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on
injuries or blood. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and
discreetly indicated.
Imitable techniques
Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming)
should not dwell on imitable detail or appear pain or harm free. Easily
accessible weapons should not be glamorised.HorrorSustained moderate threat and menace are permitted. Occasional gory
moments only.
Drugs
Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised
or instructional. |
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'15' 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 or DVD.
Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15
year olds.Language
There may be frequent use of strong language (e.g. 'fuck'). But the
strongest terms (eg 'cunt') will be acceptable only where justified
by the context. Continued aggressive 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 but without strong detail. There
may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.Violence
Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain
or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.Imitable techniquesDangerous techniques (e.g. combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming)
should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons
should not be glamorised.Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images
are unlikely to be acceptable.
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote
or encourage drug misuse. |
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'18' 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, at '18' the BBFC's guideline concerns will not
normally override the wish that adults should be free to chose their
own entertainment, within the law. Exceptions are most likely in the
following areas:where material or treatment appears to the Board to risk
harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society
e.g. any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of
illegal drug use, which is likely to promote the activity. The
Board may also intervene with portrayals of sexual violence
which might, e.g. eroticise or endorse sexual assault.
the more explicit images of sexual activity unless they
can be exceptionally justified by context and the work is not a
'sex work' as defined below.
In the case of videos and DVDs, which may be more accessible to
younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent. For the same
reason, and because of the different way in which they are
experienced, the Board may take a more precautionary approach in the
case of those digital games which are covered by the Video
Recordings Act.
Sex Education at 18
Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in
matters such as human sexuality, safe sex and health, exceptions to
the normal constraints on explicit images may be made in the public
interest. Such explicit detail must be kept to the minimum necessary
to illustrate the educational or instructional points being made.
Sex Works at 18
Sex works are works, normally on video or DVD, whose primary
purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing
material which may be simulated are generally passed 18, while sex
works containing clear images of real sex are confined to the R18
category. |
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