The British Board of Film Classification

The BBFC is a non-governmental, independent body which was set up in 1912 (and founded by the film industry) and since then, it has been responsible for classification and censorship of films exhibited in cinemas and video work (such as television programmes or adverts) within the United Kingdom. The organisation makes sure unsuitable content is not shown to certain audiences (such as not 'allowing' young children to watch sexually explicit productions).

Classification is the process during which each film is examined agains the rigorous and regularly updated guidelines. The classification has six main categories:

 U (Universal) - suitable for all audiences
 PG (Parental Guidance) - suitable for all ages, however some scenes might be unsuitable for young children, may contain mild violence
 12A - cinema release suitable for 12 years and over
 12 - video release suitable for 12 years and over
15 - suitable only for ages 15 and over
 18 - suitable only for people aged 18 and over
 R18 - adults working for licensed premises only


The specific guidelines for films ranked '15' are:
 -> Discrimination - the work may contain racist, homophobic or other discriminatory themes and language, but it must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour;
-> Drugs - drugs taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse;
-> Imitable behaviour - dangerous behaviour (for example: suicide) should not be shown in detail which could be copied;
-> Language - there may be strong language, very strong language may be permitted;
-> Nudity - no constrains on nudity in a non-sexual context, may be nudity in a sexual context but usually without strong detail;
-> Sex - sexual activity may be portrayed but usually without strong detail;
-> Threat - there may be strong threat and horror, a focus on sexual or sadistic threat is unlikely to be acceptable;
-> Violence - violence may be strong, but the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.