UK's current system of film classification

PROs

• protects children from what they're not supposed to see yet.
• set guidelines let film makers know what to follow.
• parents can't complain as all films are classified.
• can compare films that have similar classifications.
• examiners represent a diverse society which makes it relevant to society.
• the guidelines are updated every year.

CONs

• assumes that all children are the same.
• makes children think the world is perfect.
• bland films.
• films can change the boundaries for classification.
• films take on role of moral guidance.
• age is not a key factor in determining response to a film.

Do you think the way films are regulated is sensible, useful to society and achieves its aim of protecting the vulnerable and upholding the law?

In some ways, I think the way the films are regulated is very sensible and useful. The fact that the examiners are diverse means that most opinions of society are heard. Although people in a society break rules, it is important for there to be rules and guidelines. 

Regulation does manage to protect the vulnerable however, if the rules aren't taken into account then they become useless. It is becoming increasingly easier for 12 year olds to watch a '15' in cinema as ages are not regularly checked. In my own personal experience, I managed to watch an '18' film in cinema when I was 16 years old.

Also, if a child is unable to watch the film in cinema as they are too young, there is nothing stopping their parents buying the DVD for them or for the child to just watch it online. With digital TV being so common in homes, the child can easily purchase films they should not be watching via the "on demand" facilities as long as they know the PIN code.

Is there anything you think could be done to improve the system? 

In my opinion, there isn't much that could be done to improve the system as I think that the problems don't lie mostly within the rules but mostly whether the rules are being upheld. Also, I think that classifying by age is probably not the best way as younger generations are becoming more desensitized but I couldn't suggest another way for the BBFC to do it.

However, there are a lot of services that the BBFC provides that people don't know about. For example, there is a website where parents can find information on the age ratings and why certain films received certain classifications.

Differences between the ratings

U > PG

• References to illegal drugs or drug misuse as long as it is innocuous or carries a suitable anti-drug message.
• Frightening sequences that are not prolonged or intense.
• Mild bad language.
• Sexual activity may be implied but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only.
• More serious issues such as domestic violence can be featured.
• Moderate violence, without detail.

PG > 12A

• Discriminatory language or behavior cannot be endorsed by the work as a whole.
• Misuse of drugs must be infrequent and not be glamorized or give instructional detail.
• Moderate physical and psychological threat permitted, disturbing sequences must not be frequent or sustained.
• Dangerous behavior should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free.
• Moderate language is allowed.
• Nudity is allowed but sexual context must be brief and discreet.
• Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed.
• Mature themes are acceptable.
• Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated.

12A > 15

• Drug taking may be shown but film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.
• Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualized.
• Frequent use of strong language.
• Nudity allowed in sexual context but without strong detail.
• Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail.
• No theme is prohibited.
• Violence can be strong but should not dwell on infliction of pain or injury

15 > 18

• An 18 must not breach any laws.
• An adult should be able to choose their own entertainment.
• Sexualized violence but cannot cause harm or risk to society.
• Explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted for educational purposes.
• Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed at '18'.

18 > R18

The guidelines for R18 are pretty similar to those of 18. However, they focus more on the issue of consent as in R18 works, they are allowed to show real sex. R18 works can only be shown in specially licensed cinemas and supplied in licensed sex shops.

"R18"

"shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years old"


Following content is not acceptable:

• any material which is in breach of the criminal law.
• material (including dialogue) likely to encourage interest in sexually abusive activity (for example, pedophilia, incest or rape) which may include adults role-playing as non-adults.
• portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent.
• infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or (in a sexual context) simulated.
• penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm.
• any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual is unlikely to be acceptable.

"18"

"suitable only for adults. Adults are free to choose their own entertainment"


Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

• where material is in breach of criminal law or has been created through the commission of a criminal offense.
• where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or through their behavior to society. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualized violence which might eroticize or endorse sexual assault.
• where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context.

Intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films in the case of video works (including video games) which may be more accessible to younger viewers.

• where sex materials genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted.
• Sex works are works which primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed '18'. Sex works containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the 'R18' category.

"15"

"suitable only for 15 years and over."


Discrimination
Work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behavior.

Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. Misuse of easily accessible drugs and highly dangerous substances (aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

Horror
Strong threat and menace permitted unless sadistic or sexualized.

Imitable Behavior
Dangerous behavior (hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorized.

Language
May be frequent use of strong language. Strongest terms may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. No constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex
Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. May be strong verbal references to sexual behavior, but strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme
No theme is prohibited provided the treatment is suitable for 15 year olds.

Violence
May be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualized violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. May be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

"12A/12"

"Suitable for 12 years and over. No-one younger than 12 can see a 12A film unless accompanied by an adult."


Discrimination
Discriminatory language or behavior must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behavior is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.

Drugs
Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorized or give instructional detail.

Horror
Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.

Imitable Behavior
Dangerous behavior (hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorized.

Language
Moderate language is allowed. Use of strong language must be infrequent.

Nudity
Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.

Sex
Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teens. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme
Mature themes are acceptable but treatment should be suitable for young teens.

Violence
Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. No emphasis on injuries or blood but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated and must have a strong contextual justification.

"PG"

"Parental guidance - general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children."


Discrimination
Discriminatory language or behavior is unacceptable unless clearly disapproved or in an educational or historical context. Discrimination by character which children can readily identify is unlikely to be acceptable.

Drugs
References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.

Horror
Should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.

Imitable Behavior
No detail of potentially dangerous behavior which young children are likely to copy. No glamorization of realistic or easily accessible weapons.

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.

Theme
Nothing in treatment of serious issues should condone unacceptable behavior.

Violence
Moderate violence, without detail may be allowed if justified by its context.

"U"

"Should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over and set within a positive moral framework and offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror"


Discrimination
No discriminatory language or behavior unless clearly disapproved of.

Drugs
No reference to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless they are infrequent and innocuous, or for educational purposes.

Horror
Should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause anxiety to young children. Outcome should always be reassuring.

Imitable Behavior
No potentially dangerous behavior which young children are likely to copy. No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons.

Language
Infrequent use of very mild bad language.

Nudity
Occasional natural nudity with no sexual content.

Sex
Mild sexual behavior (kissing) and references only (to making love)

Theme
Problematic themes must be treated sensitively and be appropriate for young children.

Violence
Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only.

The 13 Main Issues

• Violence
• Language
• Sex
• Sexual References
• Drugs
• Criminal Activity
• Weapons
• Imitable Techniques
• Horror
• Theme
• Legal issues
• Discrimination

Main Issues - Video Games

• Classified under the same Guidelines and using same categories as 'linear' works such as film or DVD.
• Limited research has been done into whether 'interactivity' has any significant effect on potential for harm.
• Ability of a game to make a young player complicit in behaviour involving sex, drugs or realistic violence may be as important as the level of detail shown especially where such behaviour forms a major component of the game and where the level of interactivity is high.
• The frequency is often difficult to quantify as it depends on how the player chooses to play the game ad how many times a level is attempted before completion.
• If frequency is a defining issue (strong language), BBFC bases judgement on assessment of frequency with which a player is likely to encounter the issue during normal gameplay.
• Given lack of research in relation to harm and given rapid developments in sophistication of video games, BBFC may take more cautious approach when video games are borderline between two categories or contains material which raises issues of acceptability at adult categories.

Main Issues - Public Information advertisements/ charity advertisements

• More restrictive approach set out will not normally apply.
• Potentially shocking or offensive content in such advertisements must not go beyond what is likely to be acceptable to particular audiences.

Main Issues - Trailers/advertisements

• Audiences choose what films to watch based on expectations of particular genre at given classification.
• Audiences have no choice about the accompanying trailers or advertisements shown in cinema which may be very different in tone and content to film they have CHOSEN to see.
• Trailers and advertisements are short and self-contained so borderline material is less likely to be justified by context and more likely to cause offence so classifications may be more restrictive.
• Strong language is not permitted in trailers or advertisements at any category below '15'
• Only one use of strong language is permitted in a trailer or advertisement at '15' and must be neither threatening or aggressive.
• Advertisements for alcohol can be passed at any category but may be more restrictive classification if there are overt attempts to associate alcohol with sexual prowess or a glamorous/ successful lifestyle.
• BBFC is not responsible for exhibition of cinema trailers and advertisements - it is the responsibility of the cinema.

Main Issues - Photo or pattern sensitivity, motion sickness and reactions to low frequency sound

• Small number of viewers sensitive to flashing and flickering light, or some shapes and patterns and may experience seizures or other serious physical effects.
• Some viewers experience feeling of motion sickness or other symptoms when viewing works which feature hand held or otherwise moving camera work, or which feature low frequency sounds.
• Responsibility of film makers and distributors to identify works in which these issues may arise so viewers are given appropriate warnings.
• Such effects are not normally taken into account in classification decision.
• If it is obvious that the work is highly likely to affect a number of viewers, BBFC may advise the distributor to have appropriate warnings in place.
• In extreme cases, display of appropriate warnings may be required as a condition of classification.

Main Issues - Titles

• If title incites hatred on grounds of race, religion or sexual orientation or incites other criminal behaviour, or encourages an interest in abusive or illegal sexual activity, changes will be required as a condition of classification.
• If title is likely to cause significant offence to significant number of people if displayed in a public place, the distributor will be advised to consider the places in which it is likely to be seen (except for works classified as 'R18')
• In extreme cases, assurances on public display of full title or changes to title may be required as a condition of classification.

Main Issues - Violence

• Always been a feature of entertainment for children and adults.
• Classification takes into account the degree and nature of the violence.
• More restrictive classifications: portrayal of violence as normal solution to problems, heroes who inflict pain and injury, callousness towards victims, encouragement of aggressive attitudes, content which depicts characters taking pleasure in pain or humiliation.
• Sexualised violence or works which glamorise violence will relieve more restrictive classifications or even be cut.
• Strict policy on sexual violence and rape.
• Cuts more likely with video works than film because of potential for replaying scenes out of context.
• Association of sex with non-consensual restraint, pain or humiliation may be cut.

Main Issues - Theme

• Depends significantly on the treatment of theme; especially sensitivity of its presentation.
• Most problematic themes (e.g. drug abuse, sexual violence, paedophilia, incitement to racial hatred or violence) are unlikely to be appropriate at most junior levels of classification.

Main Issues - Sex

• Ranges from kissing and verbal references to 'making love' to detail of real sex.
• Progressively stronger portrayals are allowed as categories rise.
• Sex works are likely to be passed only in adult categories.
• Real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, other strong sexual images = 'R18'
• 'R18' only supplied in licensed sex shops which no one under 18 may enter.
• 'R18' films can only be shown in specially licensed cinemas.
• Guidelines applied to same standard regardless of sexual orientation.

Main Issues - Nudity

• Natural nudity with no sexual context is acceptable at all classification levels.
• Nudity with a sexual context will receive a more restrictive classification.
• Strong detail in such a context will only be passed in adult categories.

Main Issues - Language

• Extent of offence to bad language varies according to age, gender, race, background, beliefs and expectations as well as the context in which the word, expression or gesture is used.
• Therefore, it is impossible to set out list of words, expressions and gestures that are acceptable at each category.
• Different classification levels have general guidance that takes account the views expressed in public consultation exercises.

Main Issues - Imitable Behaviour

• Classification takes into account any detailed portrayal of criminal and violent techniques and glamorisation of easily accessible weapons (e.g. knives)
• If anti-social behaviour (e.g. bullying) is represented in an uncritical way then the work will receive a more restrictive classification.
• Cut or rejected if the work as a whole promotes illegal behaviour.
• Portrayals of potentially dangerous behaviour (hanging, suicide and self-harm) will be cut if a more restrictive classification is not appropriate.

Main Issues - Horror

• Use of frightening elements to scare or unsettle an audience is part of a long tradition of story telling and film making.
• Many children enjoy excitement of scary sequences.
• For younger audiences, classification takes into account frequency, length and detail of scary scenes, horror effects, music and sound, is there a swift and reassuring outcome?
• Older audiences pay to see horror films so works are classified to protect the young and vulnerable.

Main Issues - Drugs

• Cannot promote the misuse of drugs.
• Cannot contain a detailed portrayal of drug misuse which is likely to promote or glamorise the activity.
• Less restrictive classification if the work shows drug misuse while emphasising  the dangers.
• Smoking, alcohol abuse or substance misuse in works that appeal to children, it will be indicated in the Consumer Advice.

Main Issues - Discrimination

• Potentially offensive content relating to race, gender, religion, disability or sexuality will arise in wide range of works.
• Classification depends on strength/impact of the content and the context.
• Less restrictive category if the work as a whole disapproves of and seeks to challenge these attitudes or if it is obviously dated.

Reflections from Lesson 1+2

I've found our introductory lessons to film classification very interesting.
Something I learnt was that local authorities can overturn the decision of the BBFC. I had no idea that this was possible and thought the decision of the BBFC was like law and classifications given were final.

I also found looking at the guidelines very interesting especially those for films rated "U" and "PG". The guidelines for "U" films were very subjective and left seemingly little left to work with. I think these guidelines will definitely need to have a major revision in the future as the younger generations are becoming more and more desensitised certain issues in the society that these guidelines are trying to protect them from.

A fact that shocked me was that only one or two films are rejected each year. I would have thought that with some of the outrageous ideas of directors, there would be loads more films given a thumbs down by the BBFC.

Overriding Factors

The BBFC has guidelines for classification but they do need to have some leniency as many films are on the borderlines of certificates. There are factors that they take into account in situations such as these:

• Context - expectations of public, genre, manner in which issue is presented, apparent intention of film maker, original production date
• Tone and Impact
• Release format

Legal Considerations

There are various laws that the BBFC must take into consideration when classifying a film:

• Human Rights Act 1998
• The Licensing Act 2003
• The Video Recordings Act 1984
• The Obscene Publications Act 1959 & 1964
• Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008
• The Protection of Children Act 1978
• The Sexual Offences Act 2003
• The Public Order Act 1986
• The Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937
• The Animal Welfare Act 2006
• The Tabacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002

General Principles

The two general principles followed by the BBFC are that:

• works should be able to reach the widest audience that is appropriate for their theme and treatment.
• adults should be free to choose what they see as long as it is within the law and not potentially harmful.

They must also consider:

• whether it is in conflict with the law.
• whether it may cause any harm at the category concerned (harm resulting from behaviour of potential viewers as well as moral harm).
• whether it is clearly unacceptable to broad public opinion.

Who are the BBFC?

The British Board of Film Classification

• Regulate all films released in the UK as well as video games, programmes released on DVD or Blu-ray and those distributed via the internet.
• Independent, non-governmental body but they are answerable to OFCOM.
• Funded by charging fees to classify films
• They classify films on behalf of local authorities who license cinemas under the Licensing Act 2003 - local authorities have the power to overturn the classification of the BBFC and show or ban a film in their area.