https://www.bbfc.co.

uk/

At the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), our focus is on helping children and
families choose well by providing them
with the guidance they need to help them
choose what’s right for them and avoid
what’s not. With the huge growth in film,
video and online content, and in how and
where we can watch and use it, this is
becoming more important than ever.
Through our experience, regular
consultations and research, we are
careful to reflect the views of people right across the country. We understand what matters to
families and apply this knowledge in setting our standards. We take the integrity and
impartiality of our work very seriously and over the more than 100 years of our history, we
have increasingly come to be recognised as the go-to guide that people can trust. The
structure of the BBFC and its management is designed to both reflect and reinforce this.

All classification decisions are based on the BBFC’s published and regularly updated
Guidelines. The Guidelines are the product of extensive public consultation, research and
the accumulated experience of the BBFC over many years. They reflect current views on
film, DVD and video game regulation. For information on submitting content to the BBFC,
please go to Industry Services. Classification is the process of giving age ratings and content
advice to films and other audiovisual content to help children and families choose what’s
right for them and avoid what’s not. Recommendations are made by our Compliance Officers
based on the BBFC’s published Guidelines. These are the result of extensive consultation
with people right across the UK, research, and the BBFC’s more than 100 years of
experience. They reflect people’s views on film, DVD, Blu-ray, video on demand (VoD)
regulation and are regularly updated.

The ratings range from a U to Pegi 18. The U stands for universal and that it is suitable for
all.

A U film is suitable for ages from the age of four and over,
although it is near enough impossible to predict what might
upset a particular child. U films should be set within a
positive framework and should offer reassuring
counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. If a work
is particularly suitable for pre-school children.

PG however stands for Parental Guidance. This means that in the general viewing, some
scenes may not be suitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child around
eight or older. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents are advised to
consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive children.

A 12A film stands for suitable for 12 years and over. These are films that are classified as
material that are not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No-one younger than 12
may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a
child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child.
To help them decide, we recommend that they check the ratings info for that film in advance.

A 15 rated film that is only suitable for ages 15 and over. No-one younger than 15 may see a
15 film in cinema but no-one under the age of 15 should buy or rent a 15 rated film.
Lastly, an 18 rated film means that it is only suitable for adults. No-one younger than 18 may
see an 18 film in a cinema or buy/rent an 18 rated film. Adults should be free to choose their
own entertainment.

My film would come under the category of a PG as our short film is suitable for all ages and
can be enjoyed by younger kids and teenagers as well but younger children must be
accompanied by an adult. My short film consists of some scenes where it may not be
suitable for younger children such as fighting and they would be accompanied by an adult.